In 1986, the Museo Bolivariano de Arte Contemporáneo (Bolivarian Museum of Contemporary Art) opened its doors at the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, an historic hacienda and former estate. Now, visitors can explore both the grounds of the Quinta, as well as marvel at the museum’s contemporary artworks during a private, group, or audio guide tour.
As one of the most significant landmarks in Santa Marta, La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino is also a stop on many city sightseeing excursions, although history buffs can combine a visit to the Quinta with a stop in Gabriel García Márquez’s hometown of Aracataca.
The Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino is a must for fans of South American art and architecture.
Children and Colombian nationals enter for a reduced fee.
Visitors can take a free guided tour of the property.
La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino is accessible for both strollers and wheelchair users.
La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino is situated in the Mamatoco district of Santa Marta, around 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the historic center. For ease, take a taxi from the center of Santa Marta or look for buses marked 03C or 03G which depart from the corner of Carrera 5 and Calle 17.
The Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino typically opens daily from 9am to 5:30pm during low season and the ticket office closes one hour earlier. During the high season—which includes the Christmas, Easter, and summer vacations—the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino often stays open 30 minutes longer. There are limited hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and it closes entirely on New Year’s Day.
A politician, military man, and son of wealthy landowners, Simón Bolívar pushed for the liberation of many South American countries—then known as Gran Colombia—from Spanish rule. Nowadays, those countries include Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Bolivia. Bolívar died on December 17, 1830 at the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino.
