Vibrant and dynamic, Barranquilla is a hidden gem in Colombia for travelers eager to explore the country beyond the usual clichés. But it’s not just Barranquilla itself that impresses – the surrounding areas are perfect for serendipitous discoveries and unforgettable adventures.
From Barranquilla, you can embark on a variety of exciting day trips, with or without a guided tour. In under two hours, you’ll reach captivating destinations, from pristine nature to cultural treasures. Here’s a quick overview.
Puerto Colombia is one of Colombia’s oldest ports, located just 30 minutes away from Barranquilla and easily accessible by bus or taxi. Also guided bike tours (GetYourGude*) are available from Barranquilla to Puerto Colombia!
While it may not be the country’s most picturesque seaside town, it offers a refreshing city escape, perfect for a leisurely walk or enjoying a delightful meal by the sea. In 2024, several restaurants with sea views debuted in the newly constructed International Gastronomic Center along the sea promenade near the pier. Another beautiful dining option is Kilymandiaro Sunset Paradise at Pradomar Beach (view on Google Maps).
Things to see in Puerto Colombia include the old train station, the lengthy wooden pier, the sea promenade (Malecón del Mar), the glass lighthouse (“farola”), and the colonial San Antonio de Salgar castle. Pradomar Beach and Salgar Beach offer opportunities for water sports enthusiasts, with activities such as paddle boarding and (kite) surfing.
Please note that the different sites are quite far from each other. It would take you approximately two hours to get from the wooden pier in the center to Salgar Beach in the north by foot, with the road not always being pedestrian-friendly and the sun being “bravo”, as they say in Colombia (meaning “ferocious, fierce”). However, there is a project in planning to extend the sea promenade all the way to the lighthouse.
Insider tip: If you like ghost stories, ask the locals to tell you about “La Novia” (the bride)…
Photo by Travelhapp, Los Inmigrantes Sculpture, Puerto Colombia Sea Promenade
Photo by Travelhapp, San Antonio de Salgar castle, Puerto Colombia
Beautiful beaches for relaxation await south of Barranquilla toward Cartagena, including Playa Puerto Velero, Playa Caño Dulce, Playa Mendoza, Playa Tubará, Santa Verónica, and Salinas del Rey.
Santa Verónica is also an up-and-coming kite surfing destination, especially at Salinas del Rey. Have a look at my TikTok video to get an impression. Santa Veronica is still pretty off the beaten path and many restaurants only open during the weekend and in high season.
There are local buses going south that can drop you off along the road. You can also look for other solo travelers to share a taxi. Taxis are very affordable in Colombia and you can negotiate the price beforehand with the driver.
The beaches around Barranquilla have a rugged charm. If you’re looking for idyllic, picture-perfect beaches, you’ll find them around the Tayrona National Park near Santa Marta or in Rincón del Mar south of Cartagena.
Foto by Travelhapp, Santa Verónica, View of Salinas del Rey
The Parque Isla de Salamanca is a protected area with a unique ecosystem that includes mangrove forests, endemic wildlife and little beaches. Visiting the park makes a great day trip from Barranquilla.
To get to Salamanca Island you can take the bus from Terminal de Transporte de Barranquilla towards Santa Marta and hop-off after about 35 minutes at the Los Cocos visitor center (view on Google Maps). You can also go by boat from Malecon Puerta de Oro in Barranquilla (view on Google Maps), although this option may not always be available.
Photo by Pavel Dodonov, CC BY 2.0, Isla Salamanca Barranquilla (mod.)
An interesting stop on your way to Santa Marta is the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, the largest Ciénaga (marsh/wetland) in Colombia. Not only can you explore the mangrove forests with their diverse flora and fauna, the Cienaga is also home to several colorful floating villages with stilt houses, including Nueva Venecia and Buenavista.
To get to the Cienaga Grande from Barranquilla, take a bus towards Santa Marta and, after about 1 hour 20 min drive, hop off near Puente Puebloviejo (locally known also as “Puente de La Barra”). From there, head to the tourist pier in the Isla del Rosario neighbourhood (view on Google Maps) where you can take a boat to explore the Ciénaga Grande.
Close to the Ciénaga Grande lies the picturesque town of Ciénaga, which served as a key inspiration for Gabriel García Márquez’s fictional Macondo in One Hundred Years of Solitude. Learn more in my article on Gabo’s Magical Colombia (An Itinerary).
Photo by gabinete, CC BY-SA 2.0, Nueva Venecia (mod.)
Just an hour from Barranquilla, the picturesque town of Usiacurí is a perfect escape, blending history, nature, and artisan culture.
This hidden gem is renowned for its handcrafted iraca palm weavings and vibrant artistic murals that adorn its streets and buildings. Visit the enchanting Casa Museo Julio Flórez, dedicated to the Colombian poet who once lived there, and don’t miss the panoramic views from Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church.
The nearby Luriza Natural Reserve offers excellent opportunities for hiking and birdwatching. For a full nature immersion, consider spending a few days at the beautiful Ankua Eco Hotel (Booking.com*) – a perfect place to slow down.
If you don’t want to worry about transportation, meet some other travelers and learn a little bit more about your day trip destinations, consider joining a guided tour. Some of the just suggested activities are available on Civitatis.com* for online booking. You can find more tours also on GetYourGuide.com* and Viator.com*.
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Last Update: May 5, 2025
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