Barranquilla, known as “La Puerta de Oro de Colombia” (The Golden Gate of Colombia), is a vibrant city located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. As the country’s fourth-largest city and a major industrial hub, Barranquilla possesses a rich cultural heritage, a lively music scene, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
As an ICIDS attendee at Universidad del Norte, much of your experience will center around the northern areas of the city. This part of Barranquilla has a modern infrastructure and key commercial zones, making it a convenient location for your stay.
The north of Barranquilla is also where you’ll find the city’s finest hotels, shopping centers, and some of its most popular tourist attractions.
Usually, December has nice weather, around 28°C, blue skies and winds that come from the winter in the north. Making the city less humid and very fresh.
Barranquilla is well-known because of its carnival, one of the biggest ones in the world. In December, you will be able to hear some traditional music as Cumbia and other rhythms from the Caribbean coast of Colombia.
Preparing your trip to Barranquilla city
We’re thrilled to welcome in Barranquilla, Colombia. The perfect opportunity to expand our community and get in touch with new stories and realities.
Open
Soon
The conference is taking place at Universidad del Norte
Km5 Via Puerto Colombia
Atlántico, Colombia
The taxi drivers will ask you at which door they should drop you off:
Gate 7 (in spanish Puerta 7)
To enter Colombia, you must provide the following documents to the immigration authorities:
- Valid passport.
- National Identity Card (CAN-MERCOSUR countries).
- Temporary Protection Permit (Venezuelan nationals).
- Temporary/provisional/emergency travel document.
- Visa (if required), proof of onward travel, and financial solvency.
- For everyone, complete the Check-Mig immigration pre-registration (72 hours to 1 hour before travel): Check-Mig.
Exemptions from short-stay visa requirements include nationals from the USA, EU countries, and many others (full list available here).
Nicaraguans and permanent residents of certain countries are exempt in specific conditions.
When you will be leaving, ensure Check-Mig is completed and present the same travel document you entered with.
Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ): The main gateway to Barranquilla, located about 12 km (7.5 miles) from the city center. It serves both domestic and international flights.
International connections are Panama and Miami. Otherwise, the connection must be made through the capital Bogotá, which has numerous international connections.
The flight from Bogotá to Barranquilla takes approximately one hour and is the only viable transportation option between the two cities.
- The best way to get to the north of the city is to take a taxi service:
- Availability: Taxis are readily available at the airport. Look for official airport taxis (yellow cabs) for safety and reliability. The taxi stand is just outside the arrivals terminal.
- Cost: A typical ride from the airport to hotels near Universidad del Norte should cost around COP 50,000 (approximately USD 13 or EUR 10), depending on traffic and the exact location of your hotel.
- Travel Time: The journey typically takes around 45 minutes to the north, depending on traffic.
- Safety Tips:
- Contract the taxi service at the booth inside the airport. The booth will establish the price of the ride.
- Avoid accepting rides from unofficial or unmarked taxis.
Transportation will be provided from Dann-Carlton and Hilton Garden hotels.
Dann-Carlton Hotel: Five-star hotel only 3.5 Kms away from Uninorte, around 10 minutes drive. Average price for single accomodation is 75 USD or 67 EUR per night.
Hilton Garden Inn Barranquilla: Four-star hotel only 2.5 Kms away from Uninorte, around 10 minutes drive. Average price for single accomodation is 70 USD or 67 EUR per night.
Airbnb and other hotels: If you are looking at other hotel options or airbnb the suggested areas are: Altos de Riomar, Villa Country, El Prado.
Transportation will be provided by the conference from Dann-Carlton and Hilton Garden hotels, to university and other social activities.
Regarding transportation, the easiest, safest and most comfortable way to move around Barranquilla is through Uber or taxis that work for the hotel guests.
This type of service is very convenient economically speaking, from University to the Dann-Carlton hotel (3.5 kilometers) the rate is around 3 USD - 2 EUR, so this would be our recommendation. These rates apply to other cities in Colombia as well.
- Barranquilla is hot and humid year-round, with average temperatures between 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F). Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended.
- Stay hydrated and use sunscreen if you plan to spend time outdoors.
- Avoid drinking tap water.
- Carrying a thermos to keep water from university's fountains or buy bottled water is suggested.
Barranquilla is primarily an industrial city, not typically known for tourism. However, it offers several unique attractions worth exploring. The Gran Malecón del Río is a scenic riverfront promenade ideal for walks and cultural events. The Ciénaga de Mallorquín is a tranquil coastal lagoon perfect for nature lovers. Just outside the city, Puerto Colombia is a historic town with beautiful beaches and a rich heritage. Within the city, Barrio El Prado stands out for its elegant, early 20th-century architecture, showcasing the city's republican past.
Barranquilla is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, which reflects a rich blend of cultures from the Caribbean, indigenous, African, and Middle Eastern influences.
We will provide you with a curated list of restaurants where you can experience the best of the city's gastronomy.
Visitors to Barranquilla won't experience significant cultural shocks, but they should expect a lively and extroverted atmosphere.
The city's residents are known for their exuberance, and you’ll encounter music everywhere—whether it’s playing in cabs, echoing through the streets, or filling local shops.
One of the most significant national celebrations, El Día de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles), takes place on December 7th, when the entire city lights up with candles and festive spirit. If you plan to travel to Cartagena or Santa Marta that day, it is best to do so in the morning to avoid any traffic jams.
Barranquilla is located exactly in the middle between two of the main touristic cities of Colombia: Cartagena and Santa Marta. These cities offer beach, nature, and Cartagena is also one of the most beautiful colonial cities of Latin America.
Arriving from Bogotá, you might take the chance to spend a night in the capital of the country. Just remember that Bogotá is located 2600 mts above sea level and has a constant weather of around 14ºC all-year.
We know that there are some concerns about security in Colombia.
Barranquilla like other big cities of the country suffer the same insecurity conditions as any Latin American cities, where certain areas hit by social and economic inequality are insecurity hotspots. However, the areas around the university where the conference will be held and the recommended hotels are safe.
There are no curfews and there are no armed personnel patrolling the streets.
Keep in mind that we are in Latin America and it is advisable to avoid walking late at night or travelling to areas far from the hotel-university, but beyond this, life in Colombia in general and Barranquilla in particular is not much different from any city in the global South or even some places in the global North.
May this be an opportunity to deconstruct certain prejudices imposed on us by some media narratives.
Some useful tips:
- Stick to well-lit areas at night.
- Avoid displaying valuables.
- Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps like Uber for transportation.
- If possible, make groups to move from one point to another.
- Confirm with the organizers the exact address of the suggested places.
The local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). Most places accept credit and debit cards. It is suggested to get some cash at the airport or on a regular ATM.
If you need specific information that will help you plan your trip you can write to our local chair:
Prof. Dr. Juan Pablo Osman
osmanj@uninorte.edu.co