Wikimedia CommonsBarranquilla
A port city full of music. During Carnival, the four days before Ash Wednesday, it becomes the biggest party in the country.
Read the full Barranquilla city guide, with 11 places and 24/48/72-hour plans →
February, for Carnival. The rest of the year it is a working city.
What to see and do
- Carnival: Battle of Flowers and the Grand Parade of Tradition
- Caribbean Museum
- Magdalena River promenade
- Bocas de Ceniza by wooden train
What to eat
- Butifarra soledeña sausage
- Arepa e' huevo
- Pigeon pea sancocho
How to get there
Ernesto Cortissoz Airport (BAQ). Two hours from Cartagena by bus.
| From | Mode | Time | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bogotá | flight | 1 h 30 | $140.000 – $450.000 |
| Cartagena | bus | 2 h 30 | $35.000 – $60.000 |
Where to stay
During Carnival prices triple and everything sells out months ahead.
During Carnival, use the official grandstands on Vía 40 and carry nothing of value.
Book your trip to Barranquilla
Links to platforms we use to compare prices. If you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How it works.
Quick answers
What is Barranquilla known for?
A port city full of music. During Carnival, the four days before Ash Wednesday, it becomes the biggest party in the country.
How do you get to Barranquilla?
Ernesto Cortissoz Airport (BAQ). Two hours from Cartagena by bus.
When is the best time to visit Barranquilla?
February, for Carnival. The rest of the year it is a working city.
How many days do you need in Barranquilla?
Plan for about 3 days to see the essentials without rushing.
Is Barranquilla safe to visit?
During Carnival, use the official grandstands on Vía 40 and carry nothing of value.
Prices are indicative, in Colombian pesos, checked in November 2026. Practical information: visas, money, health and safety →