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 promenade.

The cab 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 history.

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 there are 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.