Country Colombia University University of Magdalena Area 2,393.65 km2 | Region Caribbean Region Founded Rodrigo de Bastidas Mayor Carlos Eduardo Caicedo Omar (Liberal) Population 383,991 (2005) | |
Points of interest Tayrona National Natural Park, Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, El Rodadero, Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum |
Santa Marta is a city in Colombia. It is the capital of the department of Magdalena and third largest urban city of the Caribbean Region of Colombia, after Barranquilla and Cartagena. Founded on July 29, 1525, by the Spanish conquistador Rodrigo de Bastidas, it was the first Spanish settlement in Colombia, and is the oldest surviving city in that country, and second oldest in South America. This city is situated on a bahia of the same name and as such, is a prime tourist destination
Contents
- Map of Santa Marta
- Santa marta top 10 things to do
- Santa marta travel guide colombia things to do parque tayrona taganga women in colombia
- History
- Geography
- References
Map of Santa Marta
Santa marta top 10 things to do
Santa marta travel guide colombia things to do parque tayrona taganga women in colombia
History

Before the arrival of Europeans, the South American continent was inhabited by a number of indigenous groups. Due to a combination of tropical weather, significant rainfall, and the destruction and misrepresentation of many records by Spanish conquistadors, our understanding of the peoples of this region is limited.
The Tairona formed mid to large-sized population centers, consisting of stone pathways, terraces, protected waterways, and spaces dedicated to agricultural produce. Their economy was primarily agricultural, cultivating corn, pineapple, yucca, and other local foodstuffs. The Tayrona are considered quite advanced for their time period. Surviving archaeological sites consisted of formed terraces and small scale underground stone channels. They also were known to actively collect and process salt, which was a significant trading commodity. We know that they traded with other indigenous groups along the coast and interior. Archaeological excavations have recovered significant works in pottery, stonework and gold.
Geography

Santa Marta is located in the bay of Santa Marta along the Caribbean Sea in the province of Magdalena. It is 992 km from Bogota and 93 km from famous Barranquilla. It is bordered to the north and west by the Caribbean and to the south with the municipalities of Aracataca and Cienaga.