Magdalena

CULTURE

Museums and culture:

Magdalena invites you to discover its richness cultural starting with Santa Marta, the oldest city in the country. Colombia, Visit the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the last resting place of Simón Bolívar. Visit the Tairona Gold Museum, which exhibits the history and ancestral art of the indigenous peoples of the region. Be sure to visit the historic center with its cathedral and colonial architecture. Each space connects the visitor with the history, identity and soul of the Colombian Caribbean.

In Ciénaga tour its historic center with republican architecture, visit the San Juan Bautista Church and the legendary Templete. Discover the history of magical realism that inspired García Márquez and live the tradition in the Cienaguero Caiman Dance in January and the Guitar Music Festival in July. Ciénaga is a living culture that will captivate you from the very first moment.

Ciudad Perdida and Pueblito Chairama:

Discover the Lost City or Teyuna, an ancient Tairona ceremonial center hidden in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Access after a 4 to 6 day trek through jungle, rivers and sacred paths, where you will learn about the cosmovision of the Kogui and Wiwa peoples. The Pueblito Chairama, in the Tayrona Park, can be reached with a 1 to 2 hour hike from beaches like Cabo San Juan and allows you to explore terraces, ceremonial trails and stone dwellings. Both sites reveal indigenous history and spirituality, accessible with authorized guides.

Vallenato: Heritage Treasure of Humanity:

In Magdalena, vallenato can be felt in the air and sung with the soul. Recognized as a World Heritage Site, this musical genre blends indigenous, African and Spanish influences and is a fundamental part of the Colombian Caribbean identity. Santa Marta and its surroundings vibrate with parrandas, spontaneous gatherings and festivals such as the Vallenato Mar de Acordeones in Santa Marta, among others, that celebrate poetry, the accordion and the caja. Vallenato is lived, danced and celebrated every day.

NATURE

Beaches of the Caribbean Sea: Water that creates and connects

Magdalena offers unique beaches such as El Rodadero, in Santa Marta, an ideal destination for those seeking sun, water sports and nightlife. Discover the wonderful beaches in the Tayrona Park such as Cabo San Juan del Guía that stands out for its landscape between jungle and sea, perfect for camping and hiking. Playa La Piscina, has calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Playa Nenguaje offers tranquility, walks through the nature and access to less crowded beaches, ideal for rest and contemplation. In Magdalena there is a perfect beach for every type of traveler.

Colombian Caribbean Birding Route:

Explore the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta through routes that connect nature and culture. The Tayrona National Natural Park and Minca allow you to see the Coludo Hummingbird, hummingbirds and toucans in the middle of tropical forests. In the El Dorado Natural Reserve, located on the Kennedy hill, you will be able to observe the Santa Marta Parakeet, the Sable-winged Hummingbird and the Santa Marta Tororoi. Finish your tour in the Cuchilla de San Lorenzo, with incredible panoramic views and birds such as the Santa Marta Tanager. A paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Quebrada Valencia and Taganga: Paradises to discover

Discover the Quebrada Valencia, a natural corner with waterfalls and crystal clear pools that descend from the Sierra Nevada. Refresh yourself in its waters surrounded by pure nature. Nearby, Taganga awaits you with its Caribbean atmosphere, ideal for diving and snorkeling among corals and colorful fish. This fishing village is perfect to live marine adventures and enjoy an authentic and unforgettable experience in Magdalena.

ANCESTRAL COMMUNITIES AND RURALITY

Heart of the Tairona culture in the Sierra Nevada:

Guardians of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, inhabited by ancestral cultures such as the Kogui, Wiwa, Arhuaco and Kankuamo. These communities preserve a spiritual vision of the world and a deep connection with nature. Although their territory is sacred and access is restricted, some tours with authorized guides allow you to learn about their cosmovision, weavings, languages and traditions. Visit them with respect and live an authentic and enriching cultural experience in harmony with their values.

Ancestral Knowledge System: Indigenous Peoples of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

The Arhuaco, Kogui, Wiwa and Kankuamo indigenous peoples of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta preserve an ancestral knowledge system, a World Heritage Site, that guides their spiritual life and their relationship with nature. Through rituals, songs, dances and offerings, they connect with the rivers, mountains and sacred sites. Their spiritual guides, the Mamos and Sagas, interpret the messages of nature.

Holidays:

Magdalena celebrates festivities born of ancestral traditions and knowledge passed down through generations. In July, Santa Marta's Fiesta del Mar honors the people's connection to the sea, source of life and sustenance, through nautical sports, concerts and symbolic rituals. In February, Santa Marta's Carnival combines indigenous, African and European heritages in colorful parades. Also in February, the Ciénaga Carnival revives myths, dances and customs that reflect the region's cultural identity.

GASTRONOMY

Traditional cuisine:

The gastronomy of Magdalena invites you to taste the most authentic of the Colombian Caribbean. The cayeye, green guineo puree with coastal cheese, is a typical Caribbean breakfast. The sancocho de pescado, a hearty fish soup with yucca and vegetables. Arepa de huevo, fried and stuffed, is a classic street food. And the fried fish with patacones or fried green plantain, connects you with the traditions of the region. Let yourself be conquered by the unique flavors of Magdalena.
The Frito Festival in Ciénaga, held every February, celebrates the gastronomic tradition of the region with a variety of typical fried foods, music and dances. A festival full of flavor and culture, ideal for enjoying the authentic Colombian Caribbean.

CRAFTS

Arhuaca Weaving

Arhuaca weaving is one of the most representative expressions of the cultural heritage of Magdalena. Originating with the Arhuaco indigenous people, this tradition is passed down from mother to daughter and symbolizes the connection with nature and ancestral knowledge. Each hand-woven backpack tells a story, with designs that reflect the cosmovision of the Sierra Nevada. To acquire an Arhuaca backpack is to value a living culture, deep and full of ancestral knowledge.

Colombian Caribbean Symbol: Sombrero Vueltiao (Vueltiao Hat)

The vueltiao hat is a symbol of the Colombian Caribbean identity, it has its origin in the Zenú indigenous community. It is made with arrow cane and woven by hand. This cultural symbol of Colombia, accompanies the departments of La Guajira, Magdalena and Cesar in their cultural festivities becoming a living expression of the Colombian Caribbean.