Wandering Santa Marta: A Blend of History & Coastal Vibes 🌴🏰

From Bogotá, I flew to Cartagena ✈️, then drove 240km (4hrs) along bumpy roads (with ¥150 in tolls! 🛣️💸) to Santa Marta—one of South America’s oldest colonial cities. Why Visit? Historical weight ⚖️: Where Simón Bolívar (Latin America’s liberator) spent his final days. Mixed vibes 🤷: The beaches? Underwhelming (kinda dirty 🗑️). The history? Fascinating. Travel Guide 📝 🏨 Stay: Hotel Kika (central, comfy, great location) 🍽️ Eat: Seafood stew 🥘: Coconut-infused & packed with fresh catch. Colombian BBQ 🍖: Juicy meats + secret sauces. 🏛️ Explore: Santa Marta Cathedral ⛪: Colonial-era gem. Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino 🌿: Bolívar’s final home (now a serene museum-garden). ⚠️ Heads Up: Safety 👀: Watch your bags in crowds. Weather ☀️: Hot year-round—pack sunscreen! 🌟 Hidden Gem: Tayrona National Park 🏞️ (nearby): Waterfalls + jungle hikes + wildlife spotting. Worth the detour! #SantaMarta #ColombiaTravel #HistoryMeetsBeach