Santa Marta

Santa Marta (named for the Biblical Martha) was the first city to be founded in Colombia and South America. It is located on the country's Caribbean coast, and was often raided by pirates throughout its early history.

It had a population of 521,482 in 2000 and is, today, an important port city. It serves as the departmental capital of Magdalena department.

It's been known by its beaches and the high Santa Marta's snowed Sierra which is only a few miles away.