Santa Marta

America's oldest city, a low-cost"hidden gem" on Colombia's Caribbean coast is Santa Marta. Since I liked the small town feel and the quaintness of Taganga, I decided to stay there and then take a day trip to Santa Marta. If you are looking for a beautiful beach day do not be discouraged by the boardwalk "industrial beach" and head over to El Rodadero Beach.

The magic of having everything, Santa Marta certainly has a mix of beaches, history, industry, restaurants, and culture. The boardwalk offers a nice stroll along the beach with street side cafes. Even though the beach is quite popular, you might need to look the other way from the massive shipping industrial port to the right. Wondering through the streets away from the the boardwalk, you may discover, street performers, cheep goods in the "market", churches and food stalls.

We spent the day in the heat exploring the area where Simon Bolivar died, Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, which has been converted into botanical gardens and a museum. Perhaps the heat got to us, but in our videos, you will see a little nakedness and stealing bikes. When the heat is on, your brain might do some weird things.

Santa Marta Top 10

1. Take a walk on the boardwalk

2. Find a street performance near-by the church square

3. Buy cheep goods at the electronic markets or at one of the many cheep clothing stores

4. Get crazy at the Botanical Gardens - see video

5. Hang out with other Colombian tourists at El Rodadero Beach

6. Drink fresh squeezed lime juice as you sit under the shade in one of the many parks

7. Take your leftover lunch meal and give it to a homeless person

8. Buy a local a cool refreshing beverage

9. Take model photos with the dodgy buildings as the backdrop - a great contrast

10. Watch a few locals wearing spandex rock out to their MP3 player. Spandex is popular all over the world