Five Things to do in santa Marta 1. Visit Tayrona National Natural Park More than 37,000 acres of palm trees, bays, beaches and seas with strong currents—perfect for surfing—mangrove swamps and coral reefs share this fascinating place with hundreds of species of mammals, bird species and reptiles. Add to that several archaeological remains of the Tayrona people—a pre-Colombian population—and this becomes a one-of-a-kind destination on the Caribbean coast. Horseback tours, raft trips down the Don Diego River, with its rapids and falls, and long hikes to places like La Piscina or El Cabo are especially worthwhile in this amazing park. Lodging is easy and memorable at campsites, traditional tourist inns or at Ecohabs (romantic modern replicas of traditional Tayrona dwellings). 2. Visit the Historical Center Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino is an 18th-century villa where the Liberator Simon Bolivar died in 1830. Today, the villa is divided into three main tourist attractions: the main house, the Bolivarian Museum of Contemporary Arts and the Tayrona Museum. The Cathedral is a historical site not to be missed. Built in 1760, it serves as a national monument to this day. Lastly, the Customs House is the oldest house in America built in 1530 and now hosts the Tayrona Museum. 3. Visit the Lost City A 14th-century city built high in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. At 18,942 feet, it is one of the largest preColumbian towns discovered in the Americas. 4. Visit the Village of Taganga This village of fishermen and seagulls, just 15 minutes from Santa Marta, is a haven for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts because of its clear, calm waters. In Taganga, you can find an authentic fishing village with its typical homes. 5. Visit Mamancana Natural Reserve Park Mamancana boasts nearly 1,400 acres of tropical forest and experiences in hang gliding, canopying, paragliding, motor gliding, rock and tree climbing, mountain biking, rappelling, down hilling, horseback riding, diving, bird watching and all-terrain vehicle tours. san andres, PrOVIdenCIa and sanTa CaTaLIna A Trio of Enchanting Islands in the Caribbean San Andrés, the capital of an archipelago that lies about
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FCCA Cruise Destinations
435 miles northwest of the continental coast of Colombia, is one of the country’s most enticing destinations. English and Dutch corsairs, buccaneers and adventurers—their ships laden with slaves—arrived on these Caribbean island centuries ago and discovered a colorful paradise. Surrounded by “the seven-colored sea,” the island offers white-sand beaches, a natural swimming pool called Poxe Hole that is carved out of coral rock, snorkeling and diving and a plethora of nautical sports, ranging from jet skiing to kite surfing. Downtown San Andrés offers lively restaurants, bars, nightlife and is a haven for shopping lovers. A free port with no value-added tax, San Andrés has more than 500 shops offering well-known brands of perfume, liquor, clothing, handicrafts, jewelry and accessories. Sunset outings on the Morgan Galleon, accompanied by the beats of reggae and soca Caribbean music and dining on local seafood bathed in coconut milk, are among visitors’ favorite activities. A close neighbor and sister of San Andrés, Providencia is considered one of the Caribbean’s loveliest islands. Surrounded by a coral reef, it is joined to the island of Santa Catalina by the Lovers Bridge.
Johnny Cay, San Andres, Colombia
4. Visit la Loma Neighborhood This traditional neighborhood of San Andres deserves special mention on account of the unique architecture of the houses, with spacious gardens and bright colors that match the blue of the sky perfectly. This inheritance comes from the Anglo- West Indies tradition and is present in numerous houses, which are characterized by tall structures that allow the breezes to blow under the house.
Five things to do in san andres 1. Diving the Cays San Andrés is a diver’s paradise thanks to several small islands nearby that are surrounded by coral reefs. Johnny Cay, The Aquarium and Haynes Cay are a little more than a mile away from San Andrés, while the Bolívar and Albuquerque Cays lie 16 nautical miles to the southwest. The nearby cays are ideal for relaxing, while the distant ones are perfect for snorkeling and diving due to their extensive coral reefs. 2. Practice Water Sports Water activities including windsurfing, kite surfing, sailing, water skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing and deep sea fishing are all offered. Name the water sport, and it can be arranged on San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina. 3. Visit Morgan’s Cave The famous pirate Henry Morgan resided on the archipelago, and it was from here that he planned various assaults on galleons laden with gold destined for Europe. It is said that his treasure was hidden in Morgan´s Cave, a small, deep lake within a cave of coral rock.
5. Visit the Aquarium This cay has excellent beaches. At the aquarium, the small fish swim amid the people. You can arrive to Haynes Cay by practically walking over water; the two islands are united by a coral bar that teems with life.
For more information about Colombia’s historical ports, contact Proexport Colombia or visit us at www.colombia.travel Proexport Colombia Colombian Government Trade Bureau 601 Brickell Key Dr. Ste 608 Miami, FL 33131 Camilo Duque, Leisure Tourism Director E-mail: cduque@proexport.com.co Tel: 305-374-3144 Fax: 305-372-9365 www.proexport.com.co