SANTA MARTA: 500 YEARS OF HISTORY, CULTURE, AND CARIBBEAN MAGIC
When the sun sets over the Caribbean, painting the sky in warm shades of orange, Santa Marta—the City of Origin—invites us to relive its extraordinary 500-year legacy. Founded in 1525 by Rodrigo de Bastidas, this coastal gem, cradled by bays, mountains, and jungle, is Colombia’s oldest city and a vibrant epicenter of history, culture, and tourism.
A transforming legacy
On July 29, 2025, Santa Marta celebrates half a millennium of history. To mark this milestone, an ambitious Master Plan has been set in motion under Law 1617, driving urban transformation projects, strengthening local identity, and improving quality of life. The 500 Years Pact brings together local authorities, private enterprises, civil society, and international organizations in a shared mission to position Santa Marta as a world-class destination.
Innovation and Sustainability
One of the city’s latest milestones is a strategic partnership with NC Digy Smart Cities LLC, Gorilla Technology, and AECOM. This collaboration will enhance Santa Marta with smart lighting and mobility solutions, AI-powered security systems, climate and water conservation initiatives, and a faster, more accessible digital network for all.
A Magical Tourist Experience
Santa Marta enchants visitors with its unparalleled charm. From the blue flag beaches of Bello Horizonte and Playa Blanca to the bohemian vibe of Taganga and El Rodadero, every corner is a fusion of nature and history.
Picture yourself wandering through Tayrona National Park, where the jungle meets the sea, or uncovering the mysteries of Lost City, the ancient Tayrona civilization’s archaeological wonder. Here, every experience is a sensory journey—the soothing murmur of the waves, the warm ocean breeze, and the welcoming smiles of the locals create an atmosphere of pure magic.
Celebrations and Global Recognition
Santa Marta not only honors its past but also looks toward the future. At the International Tourism Fair (Fitur) 2025 in Madrid, the city proudly represented ‘Colombia, the Country of Beauty’, earning recognition from Condé Nast Traveller as one of the top destinations to visit in 2025. Additionally, a newly established partnership with Seville (Spain), formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding between Mayor Carlos Pinedo Cuello and Seville’s Mayor José Luis Sanz, strengthens cultural and technological exchanges between the two cities.
Fiestas del Mar:
A Celebration of Life
Every July, Santa Marta bursts into color and rhythm with the Fiestas del Mar. Nautical competitions, regattas, boat races, water sports, and thrilling surf exhibitions take over the coastline. Meanwhile, the Reinado Nacional del Mar brings together women from across the country in a vibrant competition celebrating cultural diversity and local traditions. With lively parades, folkloric performances, craft and food fairs, and concerts featuring vallenato, champeta, reggaeton, and tropical beats, these festivities capture the essence of the Pearl of the Caribbean.
A City for everyone
Santa Marta is a destination where history, nature, technology, and tradition intertwine to create a truly unique experience. Whether you are exploring the historic Cathedral Basilica, visiting the legendary Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, where Simón Bolívar spent his final days, or immersing yourself in the city’s cultural and coastal offerings, every visit is a journey to the heart of Colombia.
Happy 500th anniversary, Santa Marta!
A celebration that honors the past, transforms the present, and embraces a future filled with innovation and Caribbean magic.
