Barranquilla, Colombia: travel guide
Caribbean river port and home of one of the world's great carnivals
Caribbean port at the Magdalena River mouth. Famous for February Carnival — UNESCO Intangible Heritage, second-largest in the Americas after Rio.
About Barranquilla
Barranquilla is a Caribbean port city where the Magdalena River meets the sea, and it is best known for its Carnival, held each February before Lent. The festival has been recognised by UNESCO as part of the world's intangible cultural heritage, and the city's music, costumes and dances come alive in the streets.
Outside carnival season you can learn about the traditions at the Museo del Carnaval, which displays costumes, masks and the history of the festival. Bocas de Ceniza, where the river mouth meets the sea, has a long breakwater and views of the water. The city is warm, flat and lively, with a strong local food scene.
Barranquilla suits festival-goers and travellers who want to see the Caribbean coast beyond the beaches. February is the high point; the rest of the year is hot, with the drier months being easier.
- Country
- Colombia
- Currency
- COP
- Time zone
- America/Bogota
- Nearest airport
- BAQ
Last updated
Top places to visit in Barranquilla
Museo del Carnaval
Museum · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h · entry $15,000 (≈ ₹450)
Museum dedicated to Barranquilla's UNESCO-listed Carnival. Costumes, masks, photos, and exhibits on the Marimonda, Garabato, Cumbia, and other carnival characters. Best visited before/after the 4-day February festival.
Bocas de Ceniza
Nature · 4.3 rating · about 6 h · entry $20,000 (≈ ₹600)
Spectacular spot where the Magdalena River — one of South America's mightiest — meets the Caribbean Sea. Reached by an open-air "burrito" train ride along a 22-km breakwater. Local fishing village at the end.
Things to do
- Barranquilla Carnival Experience Cultural · 24 h · from COP 580,000 per person
Where to stay in Barranquilla
- El Prado about COP 280,000 per night
Barranquilla's upscale historic district. Mid-range and luxury hotels.
Hotels
- Hotel Estelar En Alto Prado 5-star · COP 280,000 to COP 480,000 per night
- Selina Old City Barranquilla 3-star · COP 75,000 to COP 220,000 per night
Where to eat
- La Cueva Colombian, Caribbean · about COP 75,000 per person
- Cucayo Colombian, Caribbean, Contemporary · about COP 180,000 per person
Getting to Barranquilla
Airport: Barranquilla (BAQ)
Getting around
- Bus
- Ride Hail
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Colombia
Frequently asked questions about Barranquilla
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Barranquilla?
- The highest-rated places in our Barranquilla guide are Museo del Carnaval, Bocas de Ceniza.
- Where should I stay in Barranquilla?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Barranquilla: El Prado.
- How do I get around Barranquilla?
- Ways to get around Barranquilla covered in our guide: City bus, Ride-hailing app, Taxi, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Barranquilla?
- The nearest airport to Barranquilla has the code BAQ.