Santa Marta brings together art and architecture at notable sites with a beach visit nearby. The bronze sculpture by the bay and cultural venues in the historic center offer different highlights; Playa Grande adds a nearby beach. Choosing between the city’s cultural offerings and a visit to the surrounding area involves some planning: Which should shape your stay, and how much time should you set aside for each?

Art and Architecture in Santa Marta

A bronze sculpture of Don Rodrigo de Bastidas, installed in 1928, stands on the waterfront along Santa Marta Bay. It was created by Spanish sculptor José Lafita Díaz (1887–1945), so its installation took place during his lifetime. A monument depicting Simón Bolívar on horseback stands in Parque Bolívar in the historic center. The two works depict different subjects: a bronze sculpture by the bay and a monument to Simón Bolívar on horseback in the park.

Teatro Santa Marta is distinguished by its understated architecture and simple lines, and is considered a symbol of the Art Deco style in the Caribbean. The historic center is also home to Callejón del Correo, a dining passageway with rustic walls and colonial balconies. The lighting may have changed. The cultural attractions raise different questions: visitors viewing the sculptures can distinguish between the figures depicted and the form of each work; the theater is notable for its simple lines and Art Deco designation, while the passageway is known for its dining and architectural details.

Playa Grande: on foot or by boat from Taganga

Playa Grande is near Santa Marta and is a sandy beach with clear water. Visitors can enjoy the scenery and eat seafood there. From Taganga, a walking trail crosses the hills; the walk is said to take 30 to 45 minutes, though the time may vary. A boat trip from Taganga to Playa Grande takes about five minutes; this duration may also vary in practice.

The two options differ considerably in travel time and mode of transport: a short boat ride contrasts with a longer walk over the hills. This comparison can help you plan your day realistically, provided you treat the times as estimates. When planning, keep the starting point in mind: the times refer to Taganga, not to accommodation elsewhere in Santa Marta.

Taganga and Finding Accommodation

Taganga is a corregimiento of Santa Marta on the Caribbean coast, in the bay of the same name, and is considered a tourist attraction.

When searching for hotels in Santa Marta, it helps to decide what matters most: Should monuments and architecture be the focus, or would you also like to set aside time for Playa Grande? The city’s attractions are spread across different public spaces and a theater, while a beach visit nearby requires separate planning.

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