This Caribbean port city comes alive during its world-famous carnival. Local art galleries, theaters, and salsa music venues create a cultural atmosphere year-round.
Barranquilla sits along Colombia's Caribbean coast where the Magdalena River meets the sea. In this city of 1.2 million people, you can watch traditional cumbia dancers at the Plaza de la Paz, taste Syrian kibbeh at the historic La Victoria neighborhood, and join thousands of revelers during the February Carnival celebrations. The city's restored 1920s buildings in El Prado district and the vibrant street art in San Roque add to its character.
The February Carnival
The streets of Barranquilla transform each February when more than 500 cultural events take over the city. You'll see performers in Congo masks dancing cumbia and mapale, while local groups showcase their choreographed garabato routines during the Battle of Flowers parade. The four-day celebration brings together over 1.5 million participants. UNESCO added the carnival to its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2003.
Climate and Weather
The temperature in Barranquilla stays at 28.4°C (83.1°F) year-round, climbing to 32°C (89.6°F) during the day. The humidity makes the air feel warmer, especially between June and August. Pack lightweight cotton clothing and bring a water bottle - the tropical savanna climate requires regular hydration.
Getting Around Barranquilla
Public buses run on set routes across Barranquilla, with both air-conditioned and regular options available. While taxis have meters, many drivers prefer fixed prices - check with locals about standard rates before traveling. Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport lies 7 miles from downtown. You can take a public bus every 30 minutes from the main terminal or reach the city center by taxi in 20 minutes.
City Squares and Architecture
Palm trees line the walkways of Plaza de BolÃvar, where a central fountain marks the northern end of the BolÃvar promenade. The white-stone San Nicolas church, built in 1905, anchors Plaza de San Nicolás. Local vendors set up stalls along the connecting pedestrian streets, selling fresh coconut water and arepas.
International Food Scene
The streets around Carrera 53 contain restaurants serving Middle Eastern, Asian, and South American cuisine. You'll find shawarma stands next to sushi restaurants and Italian cafes. Colombian eateries prepare regional dishes like arepa de huevo (egg-stuffed corn cakes) and butifarra sausages. Food carts cluster near Universidad del Norte and Plaza de la Paz, selling empanadas and fresh mango juice from morning until late evening.
