population: 0.50 million

extension: 2,387 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Santa Marta and interested in museums, a great place to visit is the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro Tairona), which showcases artifacts from the indigenous Tairona culture. Another option is the Tayrona Gold Museum (Museo del Oro Tayrona), which features a collection of gold objects from the Tayrona civilization.

If you're looking for similar places nearby, you might consider visiting the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, a historic estate that now houses a museum dedicated to the life and work of Colombian national hero Simón Bolívar. Alternatively, the Museo Etnográfico de Gaira has exhibits on the region's indigenous cultures and history.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to try in Santa Marta, Colombia, according to local people are:

1. Cazuela de Mariscos - a seafood stew made with coconut milk, plantains, yuca, and various types of seafood.

2. Arroz con coco - coconut rice, a staple dish in the Caribbean coast of Colombia, made with coconut milk, white rice, and sometimes beans.

3. Arepas - a type of corn cake, usually eaten for breakfast or as a snack, and can be stuffed with cheese, meat, or eggs.

4. Pargo Rojo - red snapper, a popular fish dish often served fried or grilled with coconut rice.

5. Sancocho - a hearty soup/stew made with beef, chicken, or fish, yuca, plantains, corn, and other vegetables.

6. Carimañolas - similar to empanadas, but stuffed with beef or chicken, yuca, and other ingredients.

7. Chicharrón - deep-fried pork belly or ribs, often served with yuca and lime.

8. Limonada de Coco - a refreshing drink made with coconut water, lime juice, sugar, and ice.

9. Jugos Naturales - fresh fruit juices, often sold by street vendors, with flavors such as mango, papaya, guava, and pineapple.

These are just a few examples of the delicious cuisine you can find in Santa Marta, Colombia.

Activities

Some fun activities that locals enjoy in Santa Marta include:

1. Visiting the beaches: Santa Marta is known for its beautiful beaches, and locals love to spend their free time swimming, sunbathing, and playing beach games.

2. Exploring the Sierra Nevada mountains: The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is the world's highest coastal range, and locals love to hike, birdwatch, and explore the lush forests and waterfalls.

3. Trying local cuisine: Santa Marta has a diverse food scene, with many delicious seafood restaurants, street vendors selling traditional snacks like arepas and empanadas, and juice bars serving fresh tropical fruits.

4. Dancing salsa: Colombia is famous for its lively salsa music and dance, and locals love to hit the clubs and dance halls to show off their moves.

5. Visiting historic sites: Santa Marta has a rich history dating back to pre-Columbian times, and locals enjoy visiting landmarks like the Ciudad Perdida archaeological site, the San Fernando Fort, and the Cathedral of Santa Marta.