A 14-Day Itinerary for a Relaxing Trip to Barranquilla

  • Day 1: Barranquilla Zoo
    20 minutes (6.3 km) from Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport

    The Barranquilla Zoo houses a variety of local and exotic animals that are well-cared for in their natural habitats. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing walk while admiring wildlife and learn more about the conservation efforts led by this zoo.

  • Day 2: Magdalena River
    1 hour 15 minutes (39.6 km) from Barranquilla Zoo

    The Magdalena River is the largest river in Colombia and a vital transportation artery. You can take a boat ride and admire the peaceful scenery of the river while enjoying a picnic with fresh and locally sourced food.

  • Day 3: Parque Nacional Natural Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
    2 hours (77 km) from Magdalena River

    The Sierra Nevada is a must-visit destination in Barranquilla. The park is home to more than 600 bird species and 33 types of bats, and there are plenty of treks and hikes through the park's lush green surroundings.

  • Day 4: Ciudadela 20 de Julio
    25 minutes (8.1 km) from Parque Nacional Natural Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

    Ciudadela 20 de Julio is a community project that features several murals painted by talented local artists on the exterior walls of houses. This urban art is colorful, vibrant, and is a tribute to Barranquilla's rich culture.

  • Day 5: Praia do Morro
    2 hours (96 km) from Ciudadela 20 de Julio

    Praia do Morro is a tranquil beach that has areas for a relaxing swim, as well as plenty of parasailing and jet-ski rental opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy an array of fish-based delicacies, which are both healthy and tasty.

  • Day 6: Iglesia de San Francisco
    25 minutes (8.4 km) from Praia do Morro

    The Church of San Francisco is a beautiful and imposing historical monument that dates back to 1629. It features a remarkable architectural style with intricate facades and delicate stained glass windows that dazzle visitors.

  • Day 7: Salgar Castle
    1 hour (51 km) from Iglesia de San Francisco

    The Salgar Castle is a historic fortress built by the Spanish settlers and serves as a museum preserving the history of the city. It has a beautiful garden that you can leisurely tour while enjoying the surroundings before entering the museum.

  • Day 8: Parque de Los Novios
    1 hour (39.6 km) from Salgar Castle

    Parque de Los Novios is a beautiful park that features beautifully manicured gardens, a variety of local flora and fauna, and several art installations. You can sit and relax while you sip a cold drink at one of the little café kiosks.

  • Day 9: Bocas de Ceniza
    45 minutes (23.1 km) from Parque de Los Novios

    Bocas de Ceniza is the final landmark of the Magdalena River before emptying into the Caribbean. It features beautiful panoramic views of the sea and the city—but is also a great place to enjoy the fresh breeze and catch some sun.

  • Day 10: Museo Romántico
    1 hour 10 minutes (14.2 km) from Bocas de Ceniza

    The Museo Romántico preserves the city's significant archives and artwork. It has beautiful Renaissance art on display and many other galleries devoted to showcasing Colombian history.

  • Day 11: Teatro Amira de la Rosa
    7 minutes (3.3 km) from Museo Romántico

    The Teatro Amira de la Rosa is a beautiful classical theater that still hosts a variety of local plays, shows, and concerts. You can witness the grandeur of its architecture while enjoying a live performance.

  • Day 12: Estadio Édgar Rentería
    15 minutes (6.1 km) from Teatro Amira de la Rosa

    The Estadio Édgar Rentería is a baseball stadium that's home to the Águilas team in the Colombian Baseball League. You can watch a baseball match and experience the local coffee and food vendors that sell delicious and affordable snacks.

  • Day 13: Hacienda La Victoria
    1 hour (23.8 km) from Estadio Édgar Rentería

    The Hacienda La Victoria is an old coffee plantation that's still in operation. Here, you can taste organic Arabica coffee and enjoy a traditional Colombian wedding procession show. You can also buy some unique souvenirs.

  • Day 14: Casita del Helado
    25 minutes (2.6 km) from Hacienda La Victoria

    Casita del Helado serves a variety of tasty natural ice cream flavors, including tropical fruit flavors. It is the best place to end your trip with a taste of some of the tastiest ice cream Barranquilla has to offer.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Barranquilla Zoo (2-3 hours, COP 30,000)
  • Magdalena River (3-4 hours, COP 150,000)
  • Parque Nacional Natural Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (2-3 days, COP 100,000)
  • Ciudadela 20 de Julio (1-2 hours, free)
  • Praia do Morro (1 day, COP 100,000)
  • Iglesia de San Francisco (1-2 hours, free)
  • Salgar Castle (3-4 hours, COP 20,000)
  • Parque de Los Novios (2-3 hours, free)
  • Bocas de Ceniza (2-3 hours, free)
  • Museo Romántico (2-3 hours, COP 20,000)
  • Teatro Amira de la Rosa (2-3 hours, COP 50,000)
  • Estadio Édgar Rentería (2-3 hours, COP 20,000)
  • Hacienda La Victoria (3-4 hours, COP 50,000)
  • Casita del Helado (1-2 hours, COP 10,000)
  • Total Estimated Costs: COP 620,000

Transportation

To get around Barranquilla, you can use taxis or Ubers, which are affordable and reliable. Taxis can cost between COP 7,000 and 10,000, while Ubers are slightly cheaper. For longer distances, you can take a bus or plan a guided tour that offers transportation with pre-booked tickets. Flights from Bogotá to Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport can cost approximately COP 150,000 and are a two-hour flight.

Useful Tips

If you have more than 14 days, consider visiting some of the nearby cities like Cartagena, Santa Marta, or Guajira. If you have fewer days than the itinerary, you can skip a few places or consolidate some of the visits to places that are close to each other to manage your time and budget better.

Airports

Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ) is the primary airport serving Barranquilla, Colombia. The airport is in Soledad, a city 14 kilometers from the Barranquilla city center. It takes approximately 20-25 minutes to drive between the airport and the city center.

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