One thing you really want to do in Santa Marta, Columbia is take a tour.  Hopefully to someplace nice.  All trips have a low point and Santa Marta was ours.  Don’t believe that this is a charming coastal gem, and  more than the average tropical paradise.  It is hot, humid and no wind.  Don’t explore the downtown shopping unless you are shopping for pirated CD or stuffed dolls.  The exchange rate is 2000 to 1.  If you take money out of an  ATM don’t take much unless you want to bring it home as a souvenir.   This is the oldest city in Columbia and it has some catching up to do.