The dark side of Santa Marta

By Annie Deri July 18, 2019
not much is left of the Santa Marta tourist farm
An image of the dream that went up in flames after an armed gang burned this Santa Marta farm to the ground. Photos: Patrick Fleming

Armed gangs lurk in the shadows of Santa Marta taking money from local businesses and, in some cases, attacking them.


It is hard to imagine that armed groups still exert control in the tourist haven of the Sierra Nevada. But while visitors flock to the region to enjoy Parque Tayrona’s jungle-backed beaches, and the lush landscapes of Minca, a darker reality lies under the surface. 

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