Discover the Timeless Charm of Santa Marta's Historic Center

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pehr-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Quisiera comprar...
  [kee-see-eh-rah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es muy caro
  [eh-soh ehs mwee kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está el/la...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah ehl/lah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwahl ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (bus)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksy-moh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ....)]

Santa Marta, founded in 1525 by Rodrigo de Bastidas, is recognized as the oldest surviving city in Colombia. The Historic Center reflects the early colonial architecture, with numerous buildings dating back to the Spanish conquest. This period marked the beginning of a tumultuous history characterized by indigenous resistance and the establishment of Spanish colonial rule.

In the early 19th century, the Historic Center became a focal point during the struggle for independence from Spanish rule. Notably, Simón Bolívar, the renowned liberator, passed through Santa Marta in 1820, and the city played a significant role in the broader independence movement across Latin America. This era left behind a legacy of revolutionary spirit, evident in the local monuments and historical narratives.

Throughout its history, Santa Marta has been a melting pot of cultures, blending indigenous, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. The Historic Center showcases this diversity through its vibrant markets, traditional music, and culinary delights. The local culture is a rich tapestry, with festivals celebrating everything from religious traditions to indigenous heritage.

In recent decades, the Historic Center has undergone significant revitalization efforts, aimed at promoting tourism while preserving its historical essence. Restoration projects have focused on key landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Santa Marta and the Palacio de Gobierno, allowing visitors to appreciate the city's colonial past alongside its contemporary developments. This revitalization has injected new life into the neighborhood, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

The Historic Center is home to several important historical sites, including the Casa de la Aduana, which served as the first customs house in the region, and the Parque de los Novios, a central gathering place that reflects the city's social life. These sites serve as reminders of Santa Marta's rich history and its role as a vital port city in Colombia's development.

The Historic Center of Santa Marta is easily accessible from various neighborhoods. If you're coming from the Rodadero area, you can take a local bus or taxi, which takes approximately 10-15 minutes. From the airport, taxis are the most convenient option, and the journey typically takes around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. If you're in the El Centro neighborhood, you can simply walk to the Historic Center, as it is only a few blocks away.

The Historic Center is best explored on foot due to its compact size and pedestrian-friendly streets. Bicycles can be rented from local shops, and there are bike lanes in some areas. Public transport options include local buses, but they are less frequent in the Historic Center. Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced for those who prefer not to walk.

While the Historic Center is generally safe for tourists during the day, it is advisable to avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas. Areas such as Parque de los Novios and the waterfront are usually safe but remain vigilant. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur, particularly in crowded places. It’s best to keep personal belongings secure and maintain awareness of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 123 for police assistance or 125 for medical emergencies in Colombia. The local hospital is Hospital Universitario Julio Méndez Barreneche, which is equipped to handle various medical situations. It is recommended to carry a copy of your identification and travel insurance details at all times. For minor injuries, local pharmacies are available throughout the Historic Center.

Fashion: Do wear light, breathable clothing suitable for the warm climate. Avoid overly revealing outfits, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on local buses. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Hola' and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood and fresh juices. Don’t drink tap water; always opt for bottled water.

To experience the Historic Center like a local, visit the Mercado Público to sample fresh fruits and local dishes. Engage with street vendors for a taste of local snacks. For a unique perspective, take a guided walking tour to learn about the area’s rich history. Don’t miss the sunset at the waterfront, where locals gather to socialize and enjoy the view. Additionally, be sure to explore the side streets, which often feature vibrant street art and hidden cafes.