A Stroll Around Santa Marta’s Historic Center

Although we didn’t have too much time to spend because we were expected in Minca to meet our ride to El Dorado, we still got up early and took a short walk around the area.  Our hotel, La Casa del Farol was 5 minutes from the main plaza.

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There’s a bank with an ATM about 2 blocks from the main plaza.  I tried to get some cash using my Aussie NAB card and just like the last night in Bogota airport, the transaction was rejected.  Having no time to waste, I used another credit card to get a cash advance (with the intention to transfer money to pay it off as soon as we had internet again) so we wouldn’t be stuck in El Dorado & Minca (No ATMS).  It wasn’t until Jardin and more rejected transactions that I realized something was wrong with THAT one card and I would have to sort it out with the bank.DSCN2637 DSCN2634 DSCN2635 DSCN2636

Anyway, banking done for the time being, we found a taxi on the main plaza and negotiated the fare to Minca for around 35,000-ish.  Since we had to be there by 9am, we didn’t have time to haggle or use the collectivos for 7000 pesos.