Santa Marta Free Tour
A three-hour walk through Santa Marta, from street murals to the cathedral-basilica and Calle Colonial.
Reserve your free spotQuick answer
Yes, it is free: no ticket, you tip the guide at the end. Santa Marta Free Tour meets at Parque de los Novios, lasts about 3h and is guided in Spanish, English and Portuguese; rated 9.8/10 from 1,670 reviews on Civitatis.
Start times vary by date and are confirmed when you book.
This free tour lasts about three hours and covers the centre of Santa Marta on foot. The guide speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese. It starts at Los Novios Park, on Calle 20. The thread of the route is the history of the city: murals by local artists, the monument to its founder, buildings such as the Mayor's Office and the cathedral-basilica, and a stop for a typical Caribbean drink.
The tour begins with Santa Marta's most important street murals, painted by local artists, which retell key moments from the city's past. It continues to the monument to Rodrigo de Bastidas, where the guide talks about the life of the founder, and passes the Gabriel García Márquez Library, a tribute to the Colombian author.
Next come the Mayor's Office, an example of republican architecture, and 12th Street, lined with cultural centres, while the guide talks about the customs and traditions of the area. The cathedral-basilica follows, then a stop to refresh with a typical drink, Callejón del Correo and Calle Colonial, and the walk back to the starting point.
Tour highlights
- Street murals by local artists
- Monument to Rodrigo de Bastidas
- Gabriel García Márquez Library
- Mayor's Office and its republican architecture
- 12th Street and its cultural centres
- Cathedral-basilica of Santa Marta
- Callejón del Correo and Calle Colonial
Good to know before you go
- The guide speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese.
- Bookings for groups of more than 6 people are not accepted, even if made separately.
- Not wheelchair accessible; pet-friendly.
- Booking is free and at the end you leave the tip you think is fair; it is not included in the booking. A typical Caribbean drink is included.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early, and cancel your reservation if you cannot go, so the guide is not left waiting.
Meeting point
After the tour
This tour is free — there's no charge to join. At the end, tip your guide whatever you feel the experience was worth. 100% of tips go directly to them.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Santa Marta Free Tour really free?
Yes — there is no ticket and no upfront cost. You reserve a free spot, join the tour, and at the end tip your guide whatever you feel it was worth. Most travelers tip the equivalent of €10–20 per person, but the amount is entirely up to you.
Where does the Santa Marta Free Tour start?
The tour meets at Parque de los Novios (Parque de los Novios). The exact meeting point and how to spot your guide are confirmed in your Civitatis booking.
How long is the tour, and what languages is it in?
It lasts around 3h and is guided in Spanish, English, Portuguese. One booking covers up to 6 people; larger parties need a private tour. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
Is the Santa Marta free tour wheelchair accessible?
No. The tour is listed as not wheelchair accessible.
How do I recognise the guide on the Santa Marta free tour?
The guide waits at Los Novios Park, on Calle 20, with a yellow umbrella. It is best to arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Can I bring my pet on the Santa Marta free tour?
Yes, the tour is pet-friendly.