Graffiti tour with street food Tastings

Introduction: Exploring Santa Marta’s Urban Canvas and Flavors

If you’re looking to see Santa Marta in a way that combines art, culture, and cuisine, this Graffiti Tour with Street Food Tastings might just be your ideal fit. For $46 per person, you get about three hours of immersive walking through the city’s Historic Center, with guided visits to some of the most emblematic murals and graffiti pieces, plus delicious local snacks. Led by a knowledgeable guide (whose enthusiasm makes all the difference), you’ll explore the stories behind the murals, discover local culinary delights, and finish with a refreshing coconut water and seafood ceviche at the marina.

What we love: First, the tour’s focus on urban art offers a raw, authentic glimpse into Santa Marta’s contemporary culture. Second, the street food tastings—empanadas, arepas, ceviche—are not just tasty but serve as a delicious gateway into local flavors.

A potential consideration: The tour’s duration is relatively short, so if you’re a dedicated graffiti enthusiast or a foodie, you might find yourself wishing for a longer experience. Also, since it’s a walking tour, comfortable shoes are a must.

Who would enjoy this? Travelers interested in urban art, local cuisine, and authentic city sights will get the most out of this tour. It’s perfect for those who prefer a relaxed, culturally rich walk over fast-paced sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Urban Art: Focus on Santa Marta’s most iconic murals and graffiti, telling regional stories.
• Tasty Local Flavors: Sampling Colombian street foods like empanadas, arepas, and ceviche adds a flavorful dimension.
• Cultural Insights: Guided commentary helps you understand the stories behind the murals and their creators.
• Coffee & Refreshments: The visit to Vivolo Café offers excellent Colombian coffee, a highlight for caffeine lovers.
• Scenic & Informative: The tour includes scenic stops and a final seafood tasting at the marina, perfect for relaxing.
• Accessible & Flexible: The tour is wheelchair accessible and allows free cancellation with 24 hours’ notice.

Santa Marta’s Street Art: A Visual Journey

The tour begins at San Francisco Church, a central landmark and a natural starting point. From here, the guide introduces you to Santa Marta’s vibrant mural scene. The first piece we see is an allegory of marine life, painted with brushes and rollers, reflecting the coastal region’s strong ties to the sea. This mural immediately sets the tone for the tour — art as storytelling.

We loved the way each mural seemed to tell a story or convey a message, whether it was celebrating the Atlantic coast or depicting indigenous themes. The guide explains that many murals are created by local and international artists, including names like @laarboleda, @stinkfishstink, and @microold. The murals are not just colorful walls but are cultural statements, often reflecting regional identity or history.

The visit to Casa Marina showcases a particularly colorful mural by @laarboleda, offering a vibrant contrast against the colonial architecture. Here, we enjoyed a tasting of Caribbean empanadas with sour cream (coquero). The guide shares interesting insights about the local ingredients and culinary traditions, making these tastings more meaningful than just a snack break.

Artworks & Artists: A Deep Dive

Moving along, the tour highlights a mural of The Girl from the Pacific by @stinkfishstink, painted with spray paints and brushes, representing a regional cultural icon. This piece is especially striking for its detail and vibrancy, and the guide explains the artist’s background and inspiration, deepening your appreciation.

You’ll also see graffiti “bombs” — quick, spray-painted murals by artists like @microold, @esesoto77, and @zowone. These urban “bombs” embody the fast-paced, spontaneous side of street art, and they add an energetic, youthful flavor to the city’s visual landscape.

A highlight is the mural honoring Salazarnotable, a pioneer of urban art in Santa Marta. The depiction of Aristotle with a digital visor shows how local art intertwines tradition and modernity. The guide points out details in these murals, encouraging you to look beyond the surface.

Food & Coffee: Savoring Coastal Flavors

One of the tour’s unique aspects is the culinary experience. At Vivolo Café, you’ll taste some of the best Colombian coffee in Santa Marta. Coffee here is a cultural staple, and the guide explains its significance in daily life, making each sip more meaningful.

Later, the tour includes tasting arepa de huevo (egg-filled arepa) and seafood ceviche, which are perfect for experiencing local coastal flavors. The seafood ceviche, prepared fresh at the marina, offers a satisfying end to the tour, especially after a walk through the city’s lively streets.

The final stop at the marina allows you to enjoy fresh coconut water and seasonal fruits. This relaxed setting provides a scenic backdrop to reflect on what you’ve seen — murals, stories, and flavors blending into one authentic Santa Marta experience.

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Itinerary & Logistics: What’s Included & How It Works

The tour kicks off beside San Francisco Church, a central and easy-to-find meeting point. Over the next three hours, you’ll walk through Callejón del correo, Los Novios Park, and several other scenic spots, each with its own mural story.

The itinerary includes a visit to art and crafts markets at Los Novios Park, offering a chance to see local artisans and purchase souvenirs if desired. The walk is leisurely, with plenty of stops for tastings and photos, making it suitable for most fitness levels.

The tour is highly inclusive, covering all food tastings, coffee, and scenic stops. It’s also wheelchair accessible and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, adding flexibility for travelers with unpredictable plans.

Transportation within the tour involves mostly walking, but the pace is manageable, and the guide is skilled at maintaining engagement. The entire experience wraps up back at the marina, where you can continue exploring or relax with a seafood snack.

The Experience: Authentic and Insightful

What makes this tour stand out is how it connects art, culture, and everyday life. The guide’s explanations help you understand the meaning behind each mural, turning a simple walk into a storytelling journey.

Many reviews mention how the artworks are truly impressive, with some describing the murals as “colorful and full of life,” and others appreciating the local insights shared about the artists and their work. The street food tastings are well-chosen, giving you a taste of local ingredients and cooking styles that you might not encounter elsewhere.

We loved the way the tour made us see Santa Marta through the eyes of its artists and residents, revealing a city proud of its coastal heritage and youthful creativity. The coffee tasting at Vivolo Café was a delightful highlight, especially for those who appreciate Colombia’s renowned coffee culture.

At the same time, some travelers mention that the three-hour duration feels just right, but if you’re a graffiti enthusiast or foodie, you might wish for a longer, more in-depth experience. Still, as a taste of Santa Marta’s vibrant urban scene, it’s excellent value.

Practical Tips & Final Thoughts

• Wear comfortable shoes — this is a walking tour, and some streets may be uneven.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water, especially if visiting during warmer months.
• Cameras are a must — murals are colorful and worth photographing.
• Arrive on time at San Francisco Church to start smoothly.
• The tour is suitable for most people, including those with mobility considerations, thanks to wheelchair accessibility.

To sum it up, this Graffiti Tour with Street Food Tastings is perfect for travelers who want a laid-back yet culturally rich experience. It offers a genuine look at Santa Marta’s urban art scene, combined with delicious local foods and scenic moments at the marina. Whether you’re a street art lover, a foodie, or just curious about the city’s contemporary identity, this tour delivers a memorable way to explore Santa Marta beyond the usual sights.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is generally family-friendly, especially since it’s about walking, art, and food, but check with the provider for specific age recommendations.

How long does the coffee tasting last?
The coffee tasting at Vivolo Café lasts around 80.5 minutes, allowing plenty of time to enjoy and learn about Colombian coffee.

Are all the murals accessible to see easily?
Most murals are in public spaces along the walking route, easily visible as part of the guided tour.

What types of street food are included?
The tour features empanadas, arepas, ceviche, and arepa de huevo — giving a variety of coastal flavors.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a wider range of travelers.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothes for walking.

Does the tour include transportation?
Transportation mainly involves walking, as it’s a guided city tour, with no additional transport needed.

Is the tour offered in English?
Yes, the tour is conducted in English, with guides providing detailed explanations.

Are food and drinks included in the price?
Yes, all tastings, coffee, and a final seafood ceviche are included in the $46 price.

In summary, this Santa Marta graffiti walk offers a lively, authentic cross-section of the city’s urban art and coastal culinary scene. It’s well-suited for those who want more than just sightseeing — it’s a cultural taste test and visual story rolled into one. Whether you’re into street art, local flavors, or just want a relaxed way to see the city, this tour provides a fun, flavorful, and visually engaging experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby