Climate

In September the temperature in Santa Marta varies from 23 to 31�C.

Banking and currency

Currency exchange facilities are available at airport terminal, local banks and shopping malls; hotels also provide currency exchange ervices. The exchange rate fluctuates; at present it is approximately $2.000 pesos per US dollar (August 2009). For updates on currency exchange rates, you may consult several currency converter websites including this one.

Travel Insurance

Participants are reminded that it is advisable to obtain travel insurance. Such insurance should cover payment for your medical care in the case of hospitalization as well as the cost of repatriation to your home country if that should become necessary. However ITU is unable to bear the cost of insurance for participants, any medical expenses or any other expenses.

The city of Santa Marta

Santa Marta Santa Marta is a city and municipality located in northern Colombia by the Caribbean Sea and the Sierra nevada de Santa Marta mountains. The city is an important maritime port and hub for tourism, history and culture. It was founded on July 29, 1525 by Spanish conqueror Rodrigo de Bastidas, who named the city after the Catholic day for Saint Martha, which in Spain was celebrated with festivities. However many historians argue that he named it after the Spanish city of Santa Marta de Astorgas, which he had also visited. It was one of the first cities to be founded in Colombia.