This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel.
Located at the mouth of the Magdalena River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, in the north of Colombia, Barranquilla is an industrial hub and a commercially important port city. The weather is hot, the people are friendly, it is very close to other popular tourist destinations in the country, like Cartagena and Santa Marta, and there are plenty of hostels and hotels to choose from.
The best time to visit Barranquilla is during Carnaval, which is traditionally held during the month of February. The whole city comes to life with street parties, parades, and all day frivolities you can dance your little heart away too. It is also the worst time of year to find accommodation, so if you are intent on visiting during the festival, it is advisable to book your hostel well in advance.
If you are arriving at any other time of the year, there is not a whole lot to do. However, some suggestions would include the following: a visit to the city zoo, a fairly small property with an interesting variety of exotic and native animals on display, or a visit to one of the quaint museums in town, including the Caribe Museum, to learn more about the history and culture of the area surrounding Barranquilla.
Outside the month of February, finding a good hostel at a reasonable price should not be too difficult either. Most are located around the city centre, and you may need to take a taxi if you are arriving by bus or plane, as the terminal is by no means close to anything.
Travel tip: If you areplanning to fly to the region to explore either Cartagena, Barranquilla, or Santa Marta from within Colombia, check the prices to and from Barranquilla. It is less touristy, and the flights tend to be cheaper using this city as your entry and exit point while still being very accessible to the other two destinations.
Written by local expertz for Barranquilla
Global Runaways
