In 2025, Santa Marta will celebrate its 500th anniversary, marking a milestone that highlights the significance of this city as one of the most vibrant and oldest destinations in the Americas. Santa Marta, Colombia, located between the Caribbean Sea and the imposing Sierra Nevada, has evolved from a colonial enclave into a paradise where history, nature, and gastronomy converge. According to a recent travel trend survey by Marriott International for 2025, sustainability, gastronomy, and the search for less crowded destinations are priorities for travelers next year. For those seeking a destination filled with authentic and enriching experiences, here are three reasons why Santa Marta should be on your travel list for 2025.
1. 500 Years of Living History and Culture
Founded in 1525, Santa Marta is Colombia’s oldest city and one of the first in the Americas. Over its 500 years, it has witnessed some of the most pivotal events in the country's history. Santa Marta’s historic center, with its cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and monuments, offers a journey through time, deepened by visits to its museums. Notable landmarks include the Santa Marta Cathedral, the oldest in Colombia, and the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, where the Liberator Simón Bolívar spent his final days. This site still preserves original elements from that era, including Bolívar’s quarters and a clock with its pendulum cut at the exact time of his death. It also boasts a magnificent monument honoring Bolívar and his legacy for what was then called Gran Colombia and the unity of Latin American peoples.
2. Adventure and Nature at Its Finest
Santa Marta is the perfect starting point to explore some of Colombia's most stunning landscapes. The beaches of Santa Marta are praised for their natural beauty and crystal-clear waters, from the popular Playa Blanca to the untouched beaches of Tayrona National Natural Park, which stretches along the coast, surrounded by tropical jungle and mountains. Playa Dormida, known for its tranquility and breathtaking views, is another hidden gem. Additionally, the Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida is actively involved in environmental protection, organizing beach cleanups and mangrove conservation activities, engaging visitors in sustainability efforts. For the more adventurous, the Lost City (or Teyuna) is an archaeological treasure nestled deep in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. This site, which predates Machu Picchu by around 650 years, is accessible through a challenging multi-day hike, offering hikers the chance to discover a pre-Columbian civilization while trekking through the jungle and crossing rivers.
3. Local Gastronomy and the World’s Best Coffee
Santa Marta is not only known for its landscapes but also for its vibrant culinary culture. The region is famous for the quality of its coffee, grown on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada, home to indigenous communities such as the Kogui, Arhuaco, and Wiwa, who have preserved their agricultural techniques for centuries. Through the program "Los Sabores de la Sierra" at the Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida, guests can sample this exceptional coffee and other native products, such as honey and panela, while supporting local communities. This program allows for a direct connection with indigenous producers, ensuring that visitors enjoy an authentic gastronomic experience.
Beyond coffee, Santa Marta is a paradise for lovers of coastal cuisine. At the restaurant 1525, local ingredients are combined with modern techniques to create dishes that capture the essence of the Colombian Caribbean, from fresh fish to tropical ceviches and desserts made with regional products.
Getting to Santa Marta is easy. From South Florida, there are connecting flights through Panama or Bogotá. Additionally, non-stop flights to Barranquilla’s International Airport are available, from which private transport can take you to Santa Marta (approximately 2 hours).
With its rich history, spectacular nature, and authentic gastronomy, Santa Marta is positioning itself as a key destination for 2025. Celebrating its 500th anniversary is a unique opportunity to discover a city that has managed to reinvent itself without losing its essence. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Santa Marta has something to offer every type of traveler.
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