Santa Marta, Colombia

Trek to lost cities, explore dense jungles and dive into the coral reefs of peaceful Caribbean coves. Colombia’s Santa Marta embraces a gorgeous natural setting, nestled between the Caribbean’s warm waters and the mighty Sierra Nevada mountains. The city is rich in history as the first Spanish settlement in Colombia, and it has been home to many indigenous ethnic groups. Santa Marta’s streets exude a sense of breezy Caribbean colonial charm. Wander along cobblestone paths bursting with character and colorful facades, or seek out the tomb of Simon Bolivar – the liberator of Venezuela – at Catedral de Santa Marta. Away from the buzz, you’ll find the glorious golden sands of Tayrona National Natural Park, adorned with exquisite tranquil coves and verdant jungles. Here, 300 bird species sing and strut, alongside howler monkeys, jaguars, and iguanas. The dense canopy near Santa Marta conceals many secrets, but few can rival the mystique of the Lost City. Rediscovered and unearthed from the tangled grip of the jungle just a few decades ago, the Lost City is a multi-tiered archaeological wonder that predates Machu Picchu and offers no less of a dramatic and astonishing encounter.