My name is David Lemus, a local tourist in love with these lands since the first time he set foot on them. Philosophy student and passionate about history, Owner and legal representative of Turismo Local Santa Marta, a community and regenerative tourism operating agency in Magdalena. My commitment to our territory is to show you the contrasts that Santa Marta has. I have worked alongside indigenous, peasant and fishing communities in the development of regenerative tourism with a positive impact on our region and the environment. During this time I was introduced to sociology and anthropology, which has allowed me to learn about the different cultural perspectives that represent the diversity and cultural heritage of our region, such as those of our indigenous, fishing, raizales, rural and urban communities. Welcome to the imposing Magdalena
Discover the magical essence of Santa Marta on our Free Tour! For two hours and 45 minutes, we will take you on a tour of the historic center of the city, where you can immerse yourself in its rich history and culture. From pre-Columbian times and the indigenous communities that inhabited these lands, to the colonization process that disintegrated them. We will explore the streets of Santa Marta through time, from the independence of Colombia to the beginning of the industrial era. We will analyze the social, environmental and cultural impact of industrialization in Santa Marta and its surroundings, and we will discover the influences that make up the current cultural richness of the city. Join us to tour not only the streets of the city but also its soul!
We will visit emblematic places such as Plaza Bolívar, the Cathedral of San Miguel, the Tayrona Palace and much more. Do not miss this unique opportunity to discover Santa Marta in all its splendor!
Our tour starts at:
1- Plaza Bolívar (meeting place)
Where I will show you the monuments, with their respective ancient and modern history, and I will show you all the activities to do there
2- San Francisco Square
Where I will show you the daily life of the locals, talking about customs and traditions
3- Cathedral Basilica
Our third square houses the oldest cathedral of Spanish colonial architecture in Colombia, as well as a great variety of colonial houses around
4- The couple's park
There I will tell you the local history of how the park ended up becoming the pink zone of Santa Marta and I will give you tips on gastronomy and places of entertainment.
6- zone of crafts
and souvenirs/exhibition of representative indigenous items from Santa Marta. Where we will learn very closely about the indigenous cultures that currently inhabit and the indigenous influences on the culture of the Colombian coast
7- Santa Marta Marina
Speaking of the marina, we will touch on the topic of tourism development in Santa Marta and how the city has adapted to it.
8- Tayrona Palace
Current governorate of Magdalena, place that was the first hotel in the bay of Santa Marta
9- Santa Marta Malecon
We will take a walk by the sea, with the sound of the waves while I tell you about the Morro de Santa Marta and the safe areas within the historic center.
9- Typical juice square (last stop) where we can buy a delicious native drink from the area, while we talk and have fun with a wonderful exchange of ideas.
Next to the statue of Simón Bolívar with flower shirt and sunglasses
Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).