Santa Marta, Colombia
Santa Marta was the first Spanish settlement in Colombia, and is Colombia’s oldest surviving city, the second oldest in South America, dating from 1525. Friendly and charming, Santa Marta is fringed by stunning beaches and the picturesque mountains of the Sierra Nevada. Ancient ruins take cover in the lush tropical forests of Tayrona National Park, where rich vegetation tumbles onto white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Snorkel along vibrant reefs in the morning, enjoy exotic fusion cuisine – incorporating the flavours of Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe – by night, and party to the early hours in Santa Marta’s various bars and discos in and around Parque de los Novios
