Barranquilla

A port city at the mouth of the Magdalena River, with the UNESCO-recognised Barranquilla Carnival, the Museo del Caribe, the new riverside promenade and Shakira's hometown.

Barranquilla is Colombia's fourth-largest city and the capital of Atlántico Department, on the west bank of the estuary where the Magdalena River flows into the Caribbean. Once Colombia's most important port and gateway for immigrants, it is known as the "Golden Gate of Colombia". It was a literary base for the young Gabriel García Márquez and is the hometown of the singer Shakira, but its biggest calling card is the Carnival of Barranquilla, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The city divides into three areas for visitors: the historic centre, with the Church of San Nicolás, Paseo Bolívar, the old customs house and the Museo del Caribe; the north, where the El Prado district, the cathedral and the newly built Gran Malecón along the Magdalena River are good for strolling and nightlife; and outside the city, the little train to the Bocas de Ceniza river mouth, the Puerto Colombia pier and the mangroves of Isla de Salamanca. It is hot year-round; the Dec–Apr dry season is windy and more comfortable, rooms for Carnival in Feb–Mar need to be booked months ahead, and Sep–Nov is rainy. Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport is about 20 minutes' drive from the city, and ride-hailing apps are the main way to get around town. Plan on 2–3 days, easily combined with Cartagena and Santa Marta; avoid walking in the old centre at night and keep an eye on your belongings.

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