'''Barranquilla''' is a city on the Caribbean Coast of Colombia.

Understand

Barranquilla is a cosmopolitan and primarily industrial city, often visited by businessmen of all nationalities; however the main attraction for tourism is its carnival "Carnaval de Barranquilla," that takes place four days before Ash Wednesday. In November of 2003, UNESCO proclaimed it as one of 28 different "masterpieces of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity".

Barranquilla is also called by its residents and Colombians in general "Curramba" (from a language game, in synthesis, Curramba is a reference to "party") and the Golden Gate to Colombia (Puerta de Oro de Colombia), this due to its location on the delta of the Magdalena river, making it the most important commercial sailing port to the Atlantic Ocean for the nation.

Residents are known as "Barranquilleros" and are characterized by their outgoing and friendly attitude and relaxed behavior. This makes the average barranquillero an optimistic and open individual, as well as goal-directed and hard-working.

Get in

Visitors arrive to the city traditionally by plane. The airport "Ernesto Cortissoz" is on the far south side of the city. The fare is usually USD$8-12 to get to the city center by taxi, however car rental services can be arranged from abroad with two main companies: Hertz and National Car Rental.

Buses run by the terminal as well and will get you into the city for $0.55 or less, with the drawback of a significantly less comfortable ride experience.

Barranquilla can also be a connection to other cities of the northern coast of the country, provided the traveler doesn't have a flight connection to anywhere else in Colombia already. Long-distance bus fares to some cities are:

  • Cartagena - $12
  • Maicao - $13
  • Maracaibo - $26
  • Caracas - $44
  • Get around

    Moving around in Barranquilla depends largely on the traveler's budget, language barriers and spirit of adventure.

    '''Renting a car''' is an option for visitors with a more comfortable budget, the daily fare for an economy vehicle being around 150.000 pesos a day (about 75 USD), and with gasoline prices of about 8.000 pesos (4 usd) per gallon. However, driving in Barranquilla can be obviously tricky if you don't know your way around or the changes in traffic during rush hour. Rent a car services can be dealt with from abroad or upon arrival to the hotel, may that be the case.

    Taking a '''taxi''' is by far the best option for the newcomer. They will usually take you anywhere for less than 5.000 pesos(2.5 USD). They may more a bit more expensive at night time or during rush hour, but taxis in Barranquilla do not have a meter: The fare is decided by the driver on the basis of distance, travel time and daytime vs nighttime. The most you will ever be charged for an in town trip is 15.000 pesos (7 USD).

    For those with more spirit for adventure, '''buses''' are another option. In this case, talking to the driver may not be necessary, but knowing someone in town is definitely of great help when choosing the right route. Bus fares are around 60 cents per ride, sometimes a little more if the bus is equipped with air conditioning (not all of them are).

    '''Mototaxis''' are an illegal way of transportation that has grown in popularity over the past 3 years. These consist of motorcycles charging significantly less money than a regular cab to take you virtually anywhere, but this mean of transportation is riddled with risks for personal safety, as these drivers have the tendency to be reckless.

    See

    Every year by the end of February or early March (four days before Ash Wednesday), Barranquilla hosts its famous "Carnaval de Barranquilla" (carnival of Barranquilla), a four-day-long celebration in which the true partying spirit of the city is unleashed. Parades, dances, concerts and many cultural manifestations take place all over town. For more information visit [http://www.carnavaldebarranquilla.org]

    Barranquilla also houses the beautiful and famous Teatro Amira de la Rosa, the old Customs building-Edificio de la Aduana, that serves as library as well as a museum; the Museum of Gold; and many other great places to visit. There are also a large number of art deco buildings built from the late thirties into the fifties. (See the book ''Barranquilla-Ciudad Art Deco'' By Gustavo Garcia)

    Another place to visit is "Bocas de Ceniza", where the Magdalena River meets the Atlantic Ocean.

    Do

    Barranquilla is a small city. Daytime activities are mainly of shopping and eating, but nightlife is active all year round, with bars and nightclubs open from Thursdays to Sundays in most cases. Some of the main party spots in town are UVA Club, Seven and Frogg Leggs if you plan to dance.

    For a more relaxed environment some options are Luna Negra, Beba Genobeba, Old Times (an 80's retro bar) and some spots known as "estancos": These are basically liquor stores with or without tables, where music is played on weekends. Commonly people gather in these places to drink listening to music from the place itself or from their own car audio systems (in Barranquilla sound restrictions are quite lenient). As well there are magnificent restaurants in the area known as "Washington" such as Naia, Mix where the tourist can experience an elegant, chic night.

    Some places are known as "puntos frios" or "mundo de la cerveza" (world of beer), in which you should be able to get beer pretty much any day. There are also small tiendas (convenience stores all over the city).

    If you are lucky enough to go during Carnival you will find yourself in a place in which everybody is up to party for entire days with no rest.

    Learn

    The language and culture!

    Buy

    There are many shopping centers with national and international brands. The biggest two are Buenavista and Villa Country, both located to the north.

    If what you want is artisanal souvenirs, the corner of 72 street and 46 avenue is the place to go. There you will find kiosks selling cheaper artisan work and a store by the name of "Artesanias de Colombia", where more certified, yet more expensive souvenirs can be found. At the down town you will also find these for a lower price but usually of lower quality. You can also find the true and authentic ''artesanias'' in nearby towns, many of which are worth visiting. ''

    Eat

    Both local and international cuisine are available in town. Local delicacies include ''arroz con coco'' and ''sancocho de guandul'' (a soup made of pigeon peas or "guandules" and meat), ''bocachico frito'' (fried fish from the Magdalena river), sancocho, and fritos (fried foods), including arepas and empanadas. If you wish to try local food, good choices are;

  • '''Mag Mondongo'''
  • '''Narcobollo'''
  • '''La mano Costena'''
  • '''El Tremendo Guandul'''
  • '''El portal del Marisco''' (seafood).
  • '''El corral del Marisco''' (seafood).
  • Try to go to "Las Flores" in the nearbies "Bocas de Ceniza". There is a seafood restaurant next to Magdalena River. Very good food and environment.

    All the above offer traditional food at very affordable prices.

    Some other places to go, for a more international menu are:

  • '''El Arabe Gourmet''' (Lebanese food)
  • '''Pepe Anca''' (steak)
  • '''La bonga del sinu''' (steak)
  • '''El Merendero''' (steak)
  • '''Cafe de la Casa''' (Colombian gourmet sandwiches, salads, drinks with outdoor lounge area)
  • '''Naia''' (Fusion cuisine)
  • '''Mix''' (Japanese/Peruvian)
  • '''Bora Bora''' (Thai)
  • '''La vera cucina italiana''' (Italian)
  • '''Nena Lela''' (Italian)
  • '''Enoteca''' (Italian/winery)
  • '''La Caprichosa (Pizza)''' Very good pizzas. You can order by pieces (very huge pieces) for only USD 1.50, and it will be enough to keep your stomach up.
  • Drink

    The local beer is '''Aguila''', and is also the cheapest one. However, '''Club Colombia''' is a Colombian beer with great flavor and quality, and just a little more expensive.

    International beer is available widely, with Heineken being the preferred brand.

    The spirit of preference by locals is rum, in a variety of national and international brands. Another popular drink is '''Aguardiente''' (an anise-flavoured liqueur derived from sugar cane), and is worth a try. Aguardiente literally means "burning water", and it honors its name. As well Scotch, which is a little more expensive, hence it is consumed by the elite, the preferred brand is called Old Parr.

    Almost any type of liquor is available, whiskey, vodka and tequila some of the most prevalent.

    For wine tasting, '''La Cava''' and '''Enoteca''' (an Italian restaurant) are good places to visit.

    Sleep

    Budget

  • '''Villa Giron''', Carrera 38N #41-31. Doubles (matrimoniales) available starting at $10, or $8 w/o air-conditioning. Clean. Friendly staff. A bit dark and institutional feeling. Restaurant on premises.
  • '''Hotel Olimpico''', Carrera 42 #33-20. Doubles with Fan: ~35.000 COP. Clean. Friendly staff. Free WiFi. This area is not particularly safe at night.
  • '''Hotel Colonial Inn''', Calle 42 #43-131. Tels: 3790241, 3790057. Doubles with Fan: ~35.000 COP. Clean, safe, friendly staff. Pretty courtyard. They have a sister hotel 2 blocks away, similar.
  • There are many inexpensive hotels in the area between the above hotels. Walk around and ask to see rooms, they're all quite decent. Generally the ones not listed in the guidebooks are a bit cheaper.

    Mid-range

  • '''Hotel El Prado'''
  • '''Hotel Puerta del Sol'''
  • '''Hotel Dann Carlton'''
  • '''Hotel Barranquilla Plaza'''
  • '''Hotel Golf'''
  • '''Hotel Royal'''
  • Splurge

    Get out

    Stay in touch

    Internet access starts at about $0.60. There are tons of places that serve up access for $1.00 or less, but shops are typically tucked up in centros comerciales (malls) without signs out on the street.