Puerto Colombia-Barranquilla
Puerto Colombia-Barranquilla
Puerto Colombia-a fun side-trip from Barranquilla
Going to Barranquilla and want to do something fun outside the city? Then take a short side trip to Puerto Colombia, once Colombia’s main port city.
Puerto Colombia is known for its long muelle (pier), which was once the longest pier in the world.
The city has an important significance in Colombia’s history, as it is on this muelle that the first immigrants set foot in Colombia.
From its founding in 1888 until the opening of Bocas de Ceniza in Barranquilla in 1936, Puerto Colombia was Colombia’s most important port, thanks in part to its railroad.
Puerto Colombia’s beach is a favorite with the Barranquilleros, who, for lack of beach in their own town, like to come and enjoy the sandy beach on weekends. Parallel to the beach is a long boulevard.
The taxi we had ordered through InDriver dropped us off at the square after the half-hour ride. The first thing we saw were colorful murals depicting the history of Puerto Colombia.
What immediately stood out was how large and clean the square was. The family of my travel companion with whom we made the trip told me that the square was completely renovated after the Corona epidemic.
The square is a hot spot especially at sunset, where families gather, children take music lessons and couples stroll on the pier.
Eye-catchers in the square are the various statues representing former immigrants.
In the old train station you can find information boards about the interesting history of Puerto Colombia. Also listed here are the names of families who emigrated to Colombia from America, Syria, Curaçao and Germany, among others.
ColombiaMyWay Tips
Tip #1
How to get to Puerto Colombia?
We took a taxi via InDriver from El Prado (COP30,000/$7.50) and after about 40 minutes we arrived at the central square. The ride was longer than expected because there was a lot of traffic in El Prado. On the way back, we were dropped off at our hotel in Riomar. Since the driver then did not have to drive through the busy downtown area, we were there in about 20 minutes.
Tip #2
We did the trip around sunset which is highly recommended. The temperature was nice and the square was bustling with people.
Tip #3
There are no restaurants at the square, but you can buy a snack or something to drink.
Tip #4
Do you have your own transportation or have arranged a taxi for the day? Then a visit to Puerto Colombia can be combined well with a lunch stop at Castillo de Salgar. The castle was built by the Spanish in 1848.
Tip #4
Want to stay overnight in Puerto Colombia? Then check here for the different options.
Tip #5
Check here for more information about the roundtrip along the north coast of Colombiawith information about Minca, Santa Marta and Barranquilla.
