Hilton Santa Marta

Santa Marta boasts an abundance of natural attractions, including its beaches, mountains, and rivers. However, one of its most distinctive features is the intricate and fascinating history told through the streets of the city's historic center. Today, this area is a vibrant hub of culture, history, hotels, gastronomy, and nightlife.

The Lost City, or Ciudad Perdida, is an ancient archaeological site in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Once a thriving hub around 700 AD, it was hidden for over a thousand years until rediscovered in 1972. Visitors can embark on a challenging six-day, 30-mile trek through jungle, waterfalls, and indigenous villages to reach this sacred site, known as Teyuna to local tribes like the Arhuacos and Koguis, who preserve its cultural heritage.

One of the most popular spots to visit in Santa Marta is Parque de Los Novios. While it features a few monuments at its center, its main appeal lies in the restaurants with inviting outdoor seating. The park has served many purposes throughout its history. In the early 19th century, it was the site of a military fortification, followed by butcher shops and a public market from 1834 to 1881. It earned its current nickname in the early 20th century, as couples would gather there nightly to enjoy bands playing in the square. In 1960, it was officially named Parque Santander after a monument to Francisco de Paula Santander was erected in its center. Today, the park is home to several heritage buildings and serves as one of the city's main gastronomic and tourist hubs.

Tayrona Park is one of Colombia's most important natural parks, ideal for contemplation and relaxation. This stunning reserve features magnificent beaches with crystal-clear waters, such as Cinto, Bahia Concha, Playa Cristal, Chengue, and Neguanje. Visitors can also enjoy activities like hiking, snorkeling, diving, and exploring archaeological sites from the ancient Tayrona civilization.

This historic hacienda is where Simón Bolívar, known as 'The Liberator' for securing independence for several American nations and founding Gran Colombia, spent his final days in 1830 before passing away. The estate belonged to a Spanish supporter of Colombia's independence who invited Bolívar to rest there before his planned exile to Europe. Unfortunately, Bolívar passed away before he could embark on the journey. Today, the grounds feature several monuments honoring Bolívar, the most prominent being the imposing Altar de la Patria. This grand central structure houses a statue of Bolívar, depicted in a commanding and reflective pose. Adjacent to this monument is the Museo Bolivariano, which showcases artwork donated by Latin American artists from countries Bolívar helped liberate, including Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.

Located in northern Colombia on the Caribbean coast, just 42 km from the beaches of Santa Marta, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a unique destination where visitors can relax to the soothing sound of the waves. Home to the Colón and Bolívar peaks, rising 5,775 and 5,560 meters above sea level respectively, it is the highest coastal mountain range in the world. Within its lush landscape lies the Ciudad Perdida archaeological park, also known as Teyuna, the spiritual and cultural heart of the ancient Tayrona civilization.