There are many ways to experience the Tayrona Gold Museum—sometimes known as the Casa de la Aduana—including group and private tours. Most Santa Marta city tours, whether on foot or by bike, include a visit to the Tayrona Gold Museum, although you can also explore at your own pace as part of an audio city tour or learn more about the exhibits on a guided tour of the space.
The Tayrona Gold Museum is free to access.
Don’t worry about the language barrier as signage is displayed in both English and Spanish.
Guided tours are offered every Tuesday and Wednesday in the mid-afternoon and typically last less than an hour.
On Thursdays, there are guided tours for hard of hearing visitors.
The Tayrona Gold Museum is fully accessible for wheelchair users.
Tayrona Gold Museum is situated in downtown Santa Marta, just off Plaza Bolívar. As such, most visitors staying downtown find it easiest to access on foot although arriving by taxi is a more convenient option for those staying farther afield—agree on a price before getting in, as Colombian taxis aren’t metered.
Tayrona Gold Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday between the mid-morning and late afternoon, although the museum closes slightly earlier on Sundays. Last entry is always 30 minutes before closing time and guided tours are typically offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Stop by earlier in the day for a quieter experience.
After getting a glittering overview of the region’s indigenous and colonial history at the Tayrona Gold Museum, move onto the contemporary art exhibits at the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, before marveling over marine life at the El Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum. Many city tours visit some or all of the above attractions.
