Valledupar

The vibrant city of Valledupar gained fame as the birthplace of Colombia's favorite music: vallenato. However, it is less known as the starting point for some of the most spectacular natural areas in the Colombian Caribbean, high in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Somewhat off the main Caribbean tourist circuit, Valledupar is an authentic cultural destination worth visiting anytime, but especially in May, to dance at the internationally renowned Festival de La Leyenda Vallenata.

When visiting, be sure to stroll through the city center, which, though compact, features charming buildings and colonial churches from the 16th century. Then, cool off in the fresh waters of the beautiful Guatapurí River.

Attractions and experiences

Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata

This celebration is undoubtedly one of the most important events in Colombia's musical calendar. This festival of popular vallenato music, held for over half a century, brings together the best artists from the genre’s four styles: merengue, puya, paseo, and son.

The highlight of the event is the crowning of the best contemporary artist, the King of Vallenato, chosen by judges after several rounds of competition. Famous artists from other musical styles are often invited. Thus, attendees enjoy a wide musical spectrum.

The festival takes place over five days in late April at the large Parque de La Leyenda Vallenata, with a capacity for up to 40,000 spectators.

Event, Music

Nabusimake

Located high in the mystical Sierra Nevada mountains overlooking Valledupar, this Arhuaco indigenous settlement, meaning 'The place where the sun rises,' is surrounded by stunning nature and offers an unmissable opportunity to understand the region’s traditional cultures.

It is one of the few indigenous villages in the Sierra Nevada open to tourism. For a magical and enriching experience, walk among traditional rammed-earth huts with thatched roofs while a local guide explains the area’s spiritual significance. Visitors can also enjoy a traditional meal made with ingredients grown by the community in these fertile mountain soils.

The mountains around Nabusimake are among the best places for hiking in the Colombian Caribbean, thanks to an excellent network of trails winding through the timeless beauty of the Sierra Nevada. Ask your guide about hikes to the Pozo del Diablo, offering freezing waters for swimming in an unforgettable setting.

Culture, Outdoors

Birdwatching in the Serranía del Perijá

Over 500 bird species have been recorded in the Cesar department. One of the best places in the region to observe Colombia’s impressive variety of species is the Serranía de Perijá, east of Valledupar. Access this birdwatcher’s paradise from the small town of Manaure. This mountain range, though less visited by humans, hosts numerous endemic species, such as the Perijá hummingbird, Perijá thistletail, and black-fronted brushfinch.

Wildlife

Hurtado Watering Hole

It’s rare to find such a charming piece of nature within a city’s limits, but Valledupar is no ordinary city, as shown by this stunning stretch of the Guatapurí River. Located at the city’s northern edge, the river forms deep, refreshing pools where you can swim surrounded by vibrant forest and watch the afternoon sun reflect off orange rocks. Popular with local families on weekends, the atmosphere is usually calm during the week.

Outdoor life

Practical details

Accommodation

Most of Valledupar’s best hotels are on the streets surrounding Plaza Alfonso López in the city center. There are also attractive rural lodges near the banks of the Guatapurí River northwest of the center.

Getting there

From Valledupar’s small airport, there are regular flights to Bogotá. By road, the city connects to Bucaramanga in the eastern Colombian Andes and Caribbean coast destinations like Riohacha and Santa Marta.