Muralism as the voice of the community in Santa Marta
In Santa Marta, urban art is not just decoration. For over a decade, the city's walls have been the canvas where entire communities paint their history, their demands, and their identity. As you walk through the Historic Center, you will come across murals that tell the story of the resistance of indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples against displacement and gentrification. But if you head out to neighborhoods like Pescaíto, Taganga, or the mountains of Minca, the message becomes more raw: the fight for territory, the defense of water, and the denunciation of tourism that pushes locals out.
This article is a map for you to explore, on foot or by motorcycle, the murals that narrate the Samaria resistance. It is not just another tourist route: it is an invitation to listen to what the walls have to say. As of July 2026, many of these murals remain intact, although some have been erased or repainted. Therefore, I recommend you check the status of each piece on social media before heading out, such as Murales SM Free Tour, a WhatsApp group that organizes free tours on Saturdays at 10 AM.
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Stop 1: Historic Center – Murals of Afro and Indigenous memory
The Historic Center of Santa Marta is the ideal starting point. Here, among cobblestone streets and colonial buildings, the murals coexist with commerce and tourism. But don't be fooled by the postcard: many of these murals were painted by collectives like La Sierra or Minga Artística, and tell stories of resistance dating back to colonial times.
Mural "La Resistencia de los Pueblos Originarios"
Located on Carrera 3 with Calle 14, in front of the San Francisco Church, this mural, about 10 meters high, shows the faces of Kogui and Arhuaco indigenous people with their mochilas and staffs. It was painted in 2019 by Samaria artist Carlos "Caco" Mendoza as a tribute to the community resisting the pressure of tourism in the Sierra Nevada. The earthy and deep blue colors contrast with the white of the colonial facades. Fun fact: the characters' eyes look towards the sea, not the church, as a symbolic gesture of rejection of forced evangelization.
Mural "Afrodescendencia Viva"
On Calle 16 with Carrera 2, at the corner of the former Banco de la República building, you will find an 8-meter mural celebrating African heritage in the region. Painted by the collective Mujeres de Arena in 2021, it includes figures of women with turbans, drums, and palenques. The mural denounces racial discrimination and the lack of recognition of Afro territories in the District of Santa Marta. Reference price: if you want to take photos, there is no cost, but some locals ask for a voluntary contribution of $5,000 COP for the maintenance of the painting.
Mural "El Caimán de la Memoria"
In the small square of the Cathedral, next to the Casa de la Cultura, there is a small but powerful mural: a caiman with butterfly wings holding an open book. It is the work of artist Lina Bolaños (2022) and represents the oral memory of the bay's fishermen. According to local legend, the caiman is a sacred animal for the Wayúu and Kogui peoples, and the book symbolizes the history not taught in schools. Hours: the mural is in a public space, visible 24/7, but the square fills with street vendors after 6 PM.
Stop 2: Pescaíto Neighborhood – The colors of the fight for territory
Pescaíto is one of the oldest and most popular neighborhoods in Santa Marta, located on the shores of the Ciénaga Grande. Here, urban art is a tool of resistance against displacement and real estate speculation. Since 2020, the collective Resistencia Samaria has painted more than 15 murals on the facades of houses, many with direct messages against touristification.
Mural "Pescaíto No Se Vende"
On Calle 10 with Carrera 1, in front of the soccer field, there is a huge 15-meter mural showing an Afro woman with a fish in her hand and a sign that says "Pescaíto No Se Vende". It was painted in 2023 by local artist Jhon "El Pibe" Martínez in response to a hotel project that wanted to buy the houses in the neighborhood. Fun fact: the mural has a QR code that leads to a YouTube video where the neighbors tell their story. The video has over 50,000 views.
Mural "La Ciénaga Grita"
On Carrera 2 with Calle 12, at the entrance of the neighborhood, there is a mural depicting the Ciénaga Grande as a giant woman crying tears of oil. It is a critique of river pollution caused by agribusiness and mining. Painted by the collective EcoArte Caribe in 2024, it includes phrases like "Water is life, not merchandise". Recommendation: visit the mural early (between 8 AM and 10 AM) to avoid the strong sun and be able to take photos without shadows.
Mural "Los Pescadores del Futuro"
On Calle 9, near the market, there is a mural showing children playing with fishing nets while a boat sails away. It is a tribute to the new generations who inherit the trade, but also a denunciation of the lack of government support. Reference price: if you want to buy local crafts, vendors in the neighborhood offer bracelets and necklaces from $10,000 COP.
Stop 3: Taganga – Art that denounces predatory tourism
Taganga, that fishing village 15 minutes from downtown, is now a hub of backpacker tourism. But behind the hostels and diving classes, there is an artistic movement that criticizes the development model that has displaced fishermen and damaged the marine ecosystem. The murals here are more recent (2023-2025) and have a more graphic and direct style.
Mural "Taganga No Es Un Resort"
On the main street, in front of the church, there is a 12-meter mural showing a shark with serrated teeth breaking a chain. It is the work of Bogotá artist Andrés "Rata" López, who painted it in 2024 during an urban art festival. The message is clear: Taganga does not want to become another Cartagena. Fun fact: the mural was vandalized twice by unknown individuals, but the community restored it each time in less than a week.
Mural "El Buceo No Es Turismo"
On the main beach, next to the pier, there is a mural depicting a diver with a broken mask and an octopus wrapping around his arm. It is a critique of diving companies that exploit the reefs without control. Painted by the collective Marea Negra in 2023, it includes a map of the bay with protected areas. Hours: the mural is in a high-traffic area, so it is best to visit on weekdays (Monday to Thursday) to avoid the crowds of tourists.
Mural "Los Últimos Pescadores"
On Calle 3, near the cemetery, there is a small but emotional mural: an old man with a canoe and a broken net. It is a tribute to the fishermen who still resist in Taganga, like Don Miguel, 78 years old, who still goes out to sea every dawn. Reference price: if you want to buy fresh fish, local fishermen sell at the pier from $15,000 COP per kilo.
Stop 4: Minca – Ecological murals and peasant resistance
Minca, 45 minutes from downtown, is a paradise for nature lovers. But it is also a territory in dispute: while hostels and coffee farms attract tourists, peasants fight to keep their lands against the pressure of large real estate projects. The murals here are more ecological and have a hopeful tone, but no less political.
Mural "La Montaña Resiste"
At the entrance of the town, on the road that climbs from the main road, there is a 20-meter mural showing a jaguar with a coca leaf in its mouth. It is the work of local artist Pedro "Pacho" Gómez (2022) and represents the defense of biodiversity and peasant culture. Fun fact: the coca leaf is a symbol of indigenous resistance, not drug trafficking, and the mural seeks to destigmatize its traditional use.
Mural "El Agua Es de Todos"
On the main square, next to the church, there is a mural showing a waterfall that turns into a river of intertwined hands. It is a denunciation of the privatization of water in the Sierra Nevada, where tourism companies have built pools and spas that consume the resource. Painted by the collective Guardianes del Agua in 2024, it includes phrases like "Water is not sold, it is defended". Recommendation: bring your own reusable water bottle, because in Minca tap water is drinkable and there are no single-use plastics.
Mural "Café con Memoria"
At the La Victoria farm, a 20-minute walk from the town, there is a mural showing a peasant with a vueltiao hat and a steaming cup of coffee. It is a tribute to the coffee workers who have maintained the tradition for generations. Reference price: entrance to the farm costs $10,000 COP and includes a tasting of organic coffee.
Practical tips: best times, how to get there, and support apps
To complete this entire route, I recommend dedicating at least two days: one for downtown and Pescaíto, and another for Taganga and Minca. Here are some key tips:
- Best times: between 7 AM and 11 AM to avoid the heat and crowds. The murals look best in natural light, without harsh shadows.
- How to get there: from downtown, you can take a city bus to Pescaíto ($2,200 COP) or a taxi ($10,000 COP). For Taganga, there are buses from Calle 22 with Carrera 5 every 15 minutes ($2,500 COP). For Minca, buses leave from the public market ($5,000 COP) or you can rent a motorcycle for $60,000 COP per day.
- Support apps: download Murales SM (available on Google Play and the App Store), which has an interactive map with the location of over 50 murals in the city. You can also use WhatsApp to join the Murales SM Free Tour group, which organizes free guided tours on Saturdays at 10 AM.
- What to bring: sunscreen, insect repellent, water (at least 1 liter), and a camera or phone with good battery. In Minca, wear comfortable shoes for walking.
- Safety: the route is generally safe, but avoid isolated areas after 6 PM, especially in Pescaíto and Taganga. In downtown, watch your belongings in crowded places.
Frequently asked questions
Are the murals permanent or can they disappear?
Many murals are temporary, because facades get repainted or homeowners decide to change them. The oldest ones (2019-2021) have been restored by the collectives, but others have been erased. To make sure a mural is still there, check the map on the Murales SM app or ask in the WhatsApp group before heading out.
Can I take photos and post them on social media?
Yes, but with respect. Some murals have political or personal messages, so avoid photos that ridicule or decontextualize the work. If you want to share, tag the artist if it appears in the signature. In neighborhoods like Pescaíto, ask permission from the neighbors if the mural is on a private house.
Are there guided tours in English or Spanish?
Yes, the Murales SM Free Tour group offers free tours in Spanish on Saturdays at 10 AM. If you need English, you can contact the collective La Sierra through their Instagram page (@lasierra_murales), which organizes private tours from $50,000 COP per person. There are also independent guides in Taganga and Minca who offer tours in English for $30,000 COP.
Historical or contextual introduction
The history of urban art in Santa Marta is intimately linked to the struggles and aspirations of its communities. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the city's walls have become a space for expression where stories of resistance, identity, and social transformation are reflected. This practice not only beautifies the city but also acts as a visual communication medium that narrates the realities of those who inhabit it.
The murals have emerged as a response to the violence and forced displacement that have marked Santa Marta's recent history. Through vibrant colors and powerful messages, urban artists have found in these spaces a way to reclaim their culture and make social issues visible. The Route of Murals is not just a visual tour, but an experience that invites reflection on the history and resilience of the Samaria community.
Furthermore, it is important to mention that the participation of local artistic collectives has been fundamental in this process. Organizations like La Casa del Mar and Colectivo Pocholo have led initiatives that promote art as a tool for change, involving young people and adults in the creation of murals that dialogue with their environment.
By exploring the Route of Murals, you not only appreciate the art itself but also understand the social and cultural context that surrounds it, making this experience truly enriching for visitors.
What to do
Historic Center of Santa Marta
Explore the streets of the Historic Center where some of the most emblematic murals are located. From the mural of resistance to the art that honors Samaria culture, every corner has a story to tell.
Insider Tip: Don't forget to bring your camera. The best moments are found in the details, so take your time to observe and appreciate each mural. Also, visit in the early morning or at sunset to avoid the heat and enjoy perfect lighting for your photos.
El Parque de los Novios
This park is a popular meeting point and an excellent place to see murals that reflect local life and culture. Here, urban art blends with the daily life of the Samarios.
Insider Tip: Take a break and enjoy a coffee at one of the many nearby cafes. Talk to the locals about the meaning behind the murals; they often have fascinating stories not found in travel guides.
Rural Area of Santa Marta
Venture into the rural area to discover murals that tell the story of resistance and the traditions of the communities. This tour offers an impressive contrast to urban life and allows you to connect more deeply with Samaria culture.
Insider Tip: Look for a local guide who can take you to the lesser-known places. Interacting with the communities that live there will give you a unique perspective on the art and its meaning in the context of resistance.
Where to eat or drink
La Casa de la Abuela
This cozy restaurant offers typical dishes from the Caribbean region, such as sancocho de pescado and bandeja paisa. The decor is a tribute to local culture, with photos and objects that evoke the history of Santa Marta. Insider Tip: Don't leave without trying the tres leches dessert; it's a favorite among locals.
El Bistro
Located on a lively corner of downtown, El Bistro combines international cuisine with local touches. Its artisan burgers are very popular, as are its vegetarian options. Insider Tip: Visit during happy hour to enjoy half-price tapas and a vibrant atmosphere, ideal for socializing.
La Cevichería
This place is famous for its fresh and delicious ceviche, prepared with local ingredients. The atmosphere is relaxed, perfect for enjoying good conversation after exploring the murals. Insider Tip: Order the mixed ceviche and pair it with a local craft beer for an authentic experience.