Day 1 in Barranquilla

Welcome to Barranquilla! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and get out to explore the city! There is so much for you to see and do!

We recommend you get acquainted the city of Barranquilla, take a stroll around the main square of Plaza de la Paz. This beautiful square is decorated with palm trees and is a popular gathering place in the city where bands, dancers and street performers can be seen.

Visit the Iglesia de San Nicolás de Tolentino Roman Catholic Cathedral that stands tall in the square. The Neo-Gothic style cathedral dates back to the second decade of the 17th century in the heart of Barranquilla boasting intricate architecture. The church is a symbol of the city and was declared a National Culture site in 2005.

Make your way to Paseo Bolivar a bustling area filled with people, markets, street vendors and shopping. Grab a bite to eat here, Barranquilla is brimming with street food vendors. We recommend you try pincho desgranado, a plate full of grilled beef, chicken, chorizo, butifarra (local sausage), a corn bun and crispy potato sticks.

After lunch, do some shopping and sightseeing, the area is filled with shops, plazas, churches and the Simon Bolivar statue. Grab a refreshing `raspao` drink at one of the many vendors that roam the city with their carts. Try a cone soaked in tamarind, lemon or cola flavors with extra condensed cream.

Next up, explore one of the many interesting museums in the city.We suggest either the Caribbean Museum, located in the Caribbean Cultural Park, is an excellent museum in the area, allowing visitors to discover the roots of Colombia. The Caribbean Museum covers 5 floors filled with artifacts, photos, and videos highlighting the biodiversity, history, and culture of the region.

Another museum we highly suggest is theRomantic Museum in the El Prado neighborhood, housed in an 18th century Republican Mansion. Items displayed inside the museum include the first phone used in Colombia, a coronation dress worn by a Carnival queen and letters and manuscripts by Simon Bolivar.

As evening time approaches make your way down to the Magdalena River and wander through the beautiful public gardens and lawns that run along the Magdalena River Avenue Boardwalk. Check out one of the amazing restaurants in the city for some delicious local or international cuisine, local favorites include `arroz con coco` and `sancocho de guandul` (a soup made of pigeon peas or guandule and meat, bocachico frito (fried fish from the Magdalena River) or arepas and empanadas.

Barranquilla has a great variety of nightlife options from bars to clubs dotted all over the city featuring live music and dancing. The highest concentration of nightlife options can be found on Calle 84 and Carrera 21 with the most famous and frequented bar in the city `La Troja` found on the corner of la Carrera 44 and Calle 74. La Troja is a traditional bar in Barranquilla that is declared a Cultural and Musical Heritage Site playing traditional music with dancing and a great atmosphere.

Day 2 in Barranquilla

Start your morning off at one of the many `fruterias` in the city, small cafes that serve rich fried food and healthy fruit juices.

After breakfast, take the open-air train ride from the Los Flores neighborhood that travels along the coast to Bocas de Ceniza, the meeting point of the Magdalena River and the Caribbean Sea. Here visitors can take river barge tours and other boat excursions along the river and the artificial canal that was built in the 30s. There are plenty of restaurants and shops to explore along the river.

Next, check out the beaches of Puerto Salgar in the town of Puerto Colombia. The beautiful wide beaches here stretch from the cliffs of Sabanilla Point and end at the rocky enclave of the impressive Salgar Castle, A National Historic Landmark. Colombia boasts almost 2,000 miles of coastline that splits between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Relax on the beach and soak up the sun, take a dip in the refreshing waters and then visit the historic Castle.

San Antonio de Salgar Castle was built by the Spaniards in 1848 during the colonial era. The castle is now home to a great restaurant perched on top of a cliff providing breathtaking views. Enjoy some lunch here and take in the cool Caribbean breeze and views of the sea.

After lunch head to Volcan del Totumo, an extinct volcano cone filled with mud. This natural wonder stands 65 feet high with a wooden staircase leading into the craters where visitors can take a dip in the healing mud pool for a relaxing experience. There are lagoons nearby to wash off and take a swim.

Head back to the city and visit the Barranquilla Zoo covering 2 acres of land and home to over 500 animals. There are some 140 species of native wildlife and exotic species found in the zoo such as manatee`s, spectacled bear, flamingos and eagles. There is a small cafe on site where you can grab a snack and refreshments.

As evening time approaches make your way back down to the Magdalena River to the Las Flores neighborhood along the river banks which is brimming with restaurants offering fresh catch of the day. Barranquilla receives fresh fish and seafood caught daily from the Atlantic Ocean and the Magdalena River. Some of the options include fried catfish, Atlantic Salmon, Langostinos rebosados (grilled seafood in a coconut sauce) or langostinos en salsa de corozo, a dish filled with giant prawns in a agridulce salsa.

After dinner hit the town and dance the night away! Salsa is popular in the city of Barranquilla, where Shakira was born. Head to La Troja the best salsa club in town or check out Frogg Leggs another popular club in town.

If you`re not into dancing, visit the beautiful and famous Teatro Amira de la Rosa housed in the old Customs building dating back to the 50s and named after the writer, Amira de la Rosa who created the lyrics to the anthem of Barranquilla. The theatre hosts concerts, festivals, and gatherings in the city with beautiful gardens that surround the theatre where outdoor shows and festivals can be seen.

Additional Days in Barranquilla

If you are able to spend additional days in Barranquilla visit the city during Carnival! The vibrant Barranquilla Carnival celebrations are second only to Rio! A four-day long celebration in the streets filled with loud music, dancing, processions, and parades. The colorful flamboyant costumes of Barranquilla's Carnival are a sight not to be missed.

The Carnival House is a colorful place featuring masks, costumes, and banners associated with Carnival. Visitors can learn all about the celebrations and cultural manifestations of Carnival in Barranquilla in the interactive room.

Your Last Day in Barranquilla

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.