COLOMBIA
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Although for many it is "La Isla de Barú", it is actually a peninsula, bordered by the bay of Cartagena, the Canal del Dique, and the Caribbean Sea. It is characterized by the color of its sand -white and pink- as well as the clarity of the water, which allows you to see the seabed. Nearby, there are channels with mangroves, water mirrors, and underwater gardens.
Access to Barú can be done by water, crossing the Bahía de Cartagena, or by land. Each option opens up equally interesting experiences.
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You can rent boats of different drafts, depending on the size of your group of travelers. So, with total freedom, you can choose the places to visit. You should seek advice to have expert personnel -captain and assistant- who will guide you to the best destinations in Barú. Another option is to buy a seat on a boat that will take you to your destination.
The distance between Cartagena and Barú by land is only thirty kilometers. It is a more economical option, as you can rent a vehicle for a lower cost than the maritime option.
For most tourists, visiting Barú is a one-day experience. Therefore, there are multiple options popularly known as “day-trips,” offers that include transportation, a beach tent, food, and drinks. It’s an alternative we recommend as it guarantees, especially during high tourist seasons, a good spot on the beach.
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Other visitors prefer to make their visit to Barú a longer stay. The area has several hotels, which can also include additional experiences such as massages, spa, or nautical activities. Additionally, in the area, it is possible to rent houses or islands from where you can depart to multiple destinations.
Barú has several beaches, but the most prominent are Playa Blanca, Cholón, Agua Azul, and Agua Tranquila. The first one is the largest, and as its name indicates, it has light-colored sand that contrasts with the turquoise water. It also offers a wide gastronomic offer.
Cholón can only be reached by boat. The size of the beach is small, but the plan, more than enjoying the sand, is to anchor the boat or yacht and enjoy the sun, music, and of course, meet other visitors. It’s the place to “see and be seen.” We recommend always asking about the prices before choosing food or drinks in this area.
Agua Azul and Agua Tranquila are the opposite of Cholón. These are beaches to rest, lie on a “sun lounger” -or on the sand- and enjoy the stillness and beauty of the landscape.
Don't forget to bring your sunglasses and sunblock, as well as stay hydrated frequently.
Barú is home to one of Colombia's most important environmental attractions, the National Aviary. There, you can take a tour through three ecosystems - tropical rainforest, coastal zone, and desert- where you can observe 170 species of birds and nearly 1,700 individuals over seven hectares.
The park, located on a seven-hectare plot, has a special design, as -according to official information-, “the birds are exhibited in a representation of their natural habitat, in environments very similar to where they are originally from. These are different landscape, vegetation, and water environments that allow you to appreciate a great diversity of bird species.” The tour takes about two hours.
Outside of Barú, about thirty minutes by boat, lies the Oceanarium Islas del Rosario, located on the Isla San Martín de Pajarales.
From the same creators of the aviary, but with more history, it is an attraction where visitors can see more than 100 species and 1,000 individuals, observed in their natural habitat. Don't miss the shark and dolphin shows.
Barú is an ideal place for practicing nautical sports. You can rent the necessary equipment from an authorized operator to do kitesurfing, water skiing, or ride a jet ski. Others prefer fishing, for which it is possible to hire specialized guides who know the best spots of the archipelago and will rent you the necessary gear.
Diving is very common in Barú. For some, it might just be a snorkeling experience; others may take short courses or even certifications for their practice.
Experienced divers will want a full activity in the best places, as this area of the Caribbean Sea has a wide variety of corals, marine fauna, and flora. The water is warm, and the visibility is very good throughout the year. It is very important to hire certified instructors who will accompany you throughout the journey.
This is Barú, a place where the beaches are just the beginning of multiple adventures that you can experience, very close to Cartagena. Don't miss it on your next trip!
The imagination and creativity in the design of this house defies belief. Amongst the most amazing I have seen in half a century of travelling. The 10'000 COP entrance fee is trivial for the eye-feast you get.
"If you want to spend sometime in a very nice sunny place of the city , this most be the spot. On Sundays there is always live music and some kind of show . There's also a long sidewalk , you can walk while enjoying the brise, the sun and the spectacular view to the Magdalena river. It is usually crowded, but the locals are happy, funny and very friendy.
If you go to Bquilla pass by El Malecon..., a really nice experience!"
This was a wonderful tour to go on. We really ended up learning how much effort and practice goes into a cup of coffee. There was a translator so we were able to fully understand everything, and the people who led the tour were so kind. Definitely worth going to see!
You can go up with the cable car and see by yourself how large Bogota is. I recommend you to do this.
Lots of different animals. Loved the zebras. Lots of educational things for kids. Loved the aquarium and all reptiles.
Each of the country's regions offers a different rhythm so you can do what you like most. With adventure tourism, numerous cultural activities and excellent gastronomy, we have everything to make your trip an unforgettable experience.
The Magdalena River is among the most important in Colombia, and it has become a cultural symbol for the people living on its banks: their history, culture, celebrations and much more. Navigate through this guidebook for more information.
Flowers, forests, jungles, birds, bears, and even capybaras—Colombia truly has it all. You’ll be utterly charmed by the beauty of our nature and you’ll be able to show visitors that the legends it spawns have some surprising truths to them.
Colombia’s culture is so astonishingly diverse, expressions vary wildly from north to south as do flavors from east to west. Discover how these differences make our country special.
You’re a step away from discovering our dazzling butterfly diversity. Become a true expert in our more than 3,740 species and teach those who visit just what makes Colombia the most biodiverse country per square meter.