Known for its carnival, which is one of the oldest in Latin America, and declared a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, Barranquilla proves it's more than a party city. It's the fourth-largest city in Colombia and offers interesting sightseeing opportunities with beautiful churches and institutions such as the Museum of the Caribbean – a great place to learn about the region's history.
You can also visit the old piers of Port Colombia, which received thousands of immigrants at the end of the 19th century. Nearby is the well-preserved train station, which is built of red brick and carried the immigrants to other parts of the country.
Barranquilla has been an inspiration to great writers such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez and is known by many names. Its residents call it "La Arenosa" because the banks of the river are covered in sand. The immigrants who arrived there called it "Puerta de Oro."
What's there to do in Barranquilla?
For a night of culture and music, go to Amira de la Rosa Theater, with its imposing façade. To enjoy the finest Republican style, you can visit the old Customs building, at Plaza de la Aduana, and Hotel El Prado, which is surrounded by palm trees. To see other parts of the city, rent a car from Localiza in Barranquilla. There are two locations – one at the airport and the other one downtown.