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hy Go?
For a coastal escape replete with South American flair. This isn’t the most well-known of the continent’s
shoreline, but from Río Chico, Venezuela, west and south around Colombia to Esmeraldas, Ecuador, there are numerous
nature reserves and plenty of fascinating towns. There are beaches, too; strands that bustle with activity and those that
are mostly deserted. Santa Marta, in Colombia, has it all. It’s blessed with an envious location between the Sierra Nevada
de Santa Marta and the Caribbean Sea, and is South America’s oldest city.
Ecuador/Colombia/Venezuela,Coasts
1.
QUINTA DE SAN PEDRO ALEJANDRINO:
Stroll the grounds at the villa where Simón Bolívar spent his final days.
2.
COCTELERIA JUANCHO:
Embrace the Santa Marta street food scene with a delicious cup of shrimp ceviche.
3.
PLAYA BLANCA:
Enjoy a day of beach lounging and bargaining with vendors selling everything from fruit to watches.
4.
PARQUE DE LOS NOVIOS:
Spend an evening hanging out with the locals at this city square.
14 – 26
One of Santa Marta’s greatest temptations is what
lies beneath its adjacent sea.This is the Caribbean,
after all, and people flock here to witness butterfly
fish and gorgonian coral — and countless more
vibrant species of both — in a natural underwater
habitat. Local
scuba
centers such as Atlantida
and Poseidon cater to all levels of divers. Once
you’re back on land, and maybe after a siesta, get
a table at La Muzzería for some of Santa Marta’s
best pizza.
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Santa Marta’s weather is fairly consistent. The
year-round average temperature is about 82ºF
(28ºC). Humidity, however, can vary, and January
through March tends to be rather dry, which is
ideal for city sightseeing. Start with a walk through
Parque Simón Bolívar (be sure to stroll to the end
for a splendid view of the bay). Continue through
the historical center making stops at the magnifi-
cent
whitewashed cathedral
and Museo del
Oro to see a range of artifacts from the area’s
indigenous people.
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Santa Marta serves as a gateway to
Parque
Nacional Tayrona
, arguably the most beautiful
tropical region — spanning from mountaintops to
sandy beaches and into the sea — in all of
Colombia. It’s home to more than 100 species of
mammals, and birdwatchers will be dazzled by the
approximately 300 types of winged specimens,
including flamingos, vermilion cardinals, and more.
Once the seasonal rains subside at the end of
October, the park is ideal for scenic drives, jungle
walks, and days at remote beaches.
27 – 39
It often feels warmer than the thermometer reports
during these weeks because of the humidity. And
while there are certainly some indoor spots at
which to duck out of the sun (check out the friendly
El Amanuense Libros & Cafe bookstore), the best
way to beat the heat around Santa Marta is in the
water.
El Rodadero
has a lively beach scene,
complete with seagoing activities and plenty of
vendors. Or, head inland to the popular Quebrada
Valencia waterfall and swimming hole.
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2016 – 2017 2016 2017