Hotel Barranquilla Plaza

A trip to Barranquilla

by whycolombia

"A trip to Barranquilla"

One of the cities of which I have the best and more pleasant memories is Barranquilla, the biggest coastal city in Colombia. I appreciate the kindness of its people, the beauty of its women and the atmosphere that invites you to remain there, between the sandy breeze, the heat and the magic of the Colombian Caribbean coast.

Unlike Cartagena and Santa Marta (the other two great cities of the Colombian Atlantic coast), Barranquilla is not a seaport and their tourist sites are not so emphasized (although it is an ideal city to live); nevertheless, a lot of places of interest for the tourists are near there.

I’ve visited this city once or twice a year, mainly for work reasons. On most of the occasions, my visits only lasted two days. I usually go to places that already I know like the hotel Barranquilla Plaza and the University of the Atlántico. In spite of this, I’ve always felt a cosy atmosphere and consider it like a second home.

Last October, I had the opportunity to stay in Barranquilla for five consecutive days and I went to nearby towns like Soledad and Sabanalarga. Moreover, I made a trip to Cartagena by bus across the "route of the sea", I listened to Vallenatos, Porros and Vumbias (native musical rhythms of Colombia) on the local radio stations, I enjoyed the seafood and I had a time to meditate while I walked almost in the dark along the immense pier of Puerto Colombia (the longest in the world at its time) and in a tour de force I made a route through some known sites in the city like the zoo, the municipal theatre, the metropolitan stadium, the square of La Paz and the Buenavista shopping centre, during the last day of my stay.

Although it was a very expensive route (because I had to take many taxis), I will remember this trip to Barranquilla like one of the most pleasant than I have been in the last few years, but I recommend tourists to dedicate more time to know these places without rushing (I hope to be able to do that some day). In addition, the best months to visit Barranquilla are February and March, because at that time of the year the Barranquilla’s Carnival is celebrated and this is one of the most important folkloric celebrations of Latin America, next to the carnival of Rio de Janeiro. Barranquilla is considered "the Golden Door of Colombia", the departure point for a fascinating trip all over this wonderful country.

Sandor

Carnaval de Barranquilla

by mircaskirca

As the largest festival in Colombia, Carnaval de Barranquilla is one of the biggest and best parties in Latin America, second only to Río, and one of the most colourful carnivals in the world. It takes places for four days before Ash Wednesday. During the carnival everything stops in the city. The streets fill with dancers, musicians, processions and masquerades. The Carnival of Barranquilla is a genuine expression of the Colombian people and the blend of colours, races, legends, dances and musical rhythms like mapalé, porro gaita, guaracha, son del negro and cumbia, the main rhythm of the Carnival. The most representative character is Marimonda (Spider Monkey). The Carnival of Barranquilla is unique also because of its cultural diversity, with the influence of Spanish, African and indigenous. It was proclaimed by UNESCO, in November 2003, a World Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage.

Celebration starts on Saturday with Battala de Flores (Flower Battle), a symbolic event in which the bullets of war are replaced with the flowers of peace. On Sunday thousands of people wear costumes and fancy dresses for La Gran Parada (The Great Parade). On Monday there is El Festival de Orquestas, a marathon concert of Caribbean music. The last day (Tuesday) is a four-hour parade through the city with figurative burial of Joselito Carnaval which symbolizes the end of the festivities.

Take a trip to Soledad...

by Pochito24

Now a suburb of BAQ, Soledad was once another stop on the Rio Magdalena before reaching BAQ. Soledad isn't one small town, but more a smaller city with various barrios. Though some may feel there isn't a whole lot to see here compared to other places in Colombia, Soledad is a great place to people watch.

To get there, take a taxi (about 10k Pesos) to the "SAO en Soledad" (one of the large WalMart-like department stores). Then on the south side of the store, catch a "moto" - a 3-wheeled motorcycle taxi, and an experience in itself - to the "catedral Soledad", the center of the old city (3k pesos). Enjoy the ride people-watching, as you zip between the cars and the mule carts...

Check out the cathedral and the surrounding plaza, and then explore the side streets. Nearby and toward the river is the old alcalde (city hall), though quite in need of renovation as are most of the old buildings, it is an example of the old Spanish colonial architecture. Security won't allow people to enter without business there, but if you're a gringo, they will usually comply and allow you to pass. An enormous Strangler Tree(?) has taken over the entire courtyard (unbelievable!). Then head over toward the river and check out the fish and produce market, if you need something to remind you that you are no longer in the USA . Not really any security issues here, but people will be staring at you and wondering how you found yourself here.

Also a huge street celebration here in June, something like 100,000 people coming out to listen to the bands, dance, and just have a good time.

As much as BAQ and Soledad are not a major destination area, people will be doubly surprised to find a foreigner here (LEARN SPANISH! You'll enjoy the trip so much more.) Strike up a conversation, and you may find yourself being invited home to meet the rest of the family. I love Barranquilla, not for its grand sites and history, but rather for having the friendliest people in Colombia, and therefore the entire world.

Taganga

by Lodestar

Once you are already on the Caribbean coast you cannot miss the increadible fishing village just a few kilometres from Santa Marta. Taganga is a perfect place for scuba diving. There are many dive shops and amazing diving places. The village itself is great as well - cheap food (very good fish), cheap accommodation (usually for free if you take a diving course), friendly people, great beaches (especially the Playa Grande), nice nature... Everything about this village is amazing...

Barranquilla

by mircaskirca

"Capital of the Colombian Caribbean"

After Bogotá, Medellín and Cali, Barranquilla is Colombia's fourth largest city. It's the major industrial port located in northern Colombia by the Caribbean Sea, at the mouth of the Magdalena River. The city is not particularly attractive but it is famous throughout Latin America for its vibrant four-day carnival. Carnaval de Barranquilla is second only in size to Rio's but much more authentic. It's the largest street parade in Colombia with dance, music and masquerade parades. The carnival in Barranquilla is unique because of its cultural diversity, with the influence of Spanish, African and indigenous. The city is known as Curramba La Bella (Curramba the Beautiful) and Barranquilla people are often referred to as Curramberos (meaning 'party people').

We left Parque Tayrona early in the morning so we had one not completely full day for Barranquilla before taking an evening flight to Bogotá. Walking the streets of the city centre and the most pleasant district, El Prado, we came across several nice examples of Art Deco architecture, saw some of the sights, with Casa del Carnaval being the highlight, and had a lunch with typical food of Barranquilla.