Colombia Activity List
Barranquilla - Carnival
Barranquilla's Carnival is one of the largest in the world. It occurs each year at the start of Lent (40 days prior to holy week) and features dancing, music, and masquerade, with Spanish, African, Cuban, and indigenous influences. Book hotels early!!
Barranquilla - Museo de Carnival
In the Museo de Carnival, you will see masks and costumes worn in Carnival and learn about the cultural fusion between European, African, and indigenous traditions which is the soul of the festival. The next best thing to attending.
Barranquilla - Museo del Caribe
A one of a kind museum, the Museo del Caribe will leave you pleasantly surprised. It is extremely interactive, featuring literature, art, cooking traditions and more. If you find yourself in Barranquilla, and have time to do one thing, visit the Museo del Caribe. It does not disappoint.
Barranquilla - Parque Cultural de Caribe
The Parque Cultural del Caribe (Caribbean Cultural Park) evidences a city being reborn. The park promotes the natural and cultural history of the Colombia Caribbean, and includes the Museo del Caribe, a library specializing in Márquez's works), and a Museum of Modern Art.
Barranquilla - Shakira Statue
Located in south Barranquilla, the statue pays homage to Latin America's most famous pop star, and Barranquilla's own, Shakira. The iron statue stands 15 ft tall and was donated in 2006. Shakira's foundation also funded an art school in one of the city's poorest neighborhoods.
Barranquilla - Zoo
Barranquilla offers a respectable zoo which features over 140 species of animals, representing all 7 continents. At only $5 for adults and children, the Barranquilla zoo offers a great opportunity to help teach your child Spanish in a safe, inexpensive environment.
Cartagena - Bike Rentals
There are two spots we've found which offer by-the-hour bike rentals for a remarkable alternative in experiencing Cartagena's beautiful shoreline and historic city center.
Cartagena - Boat Tour to Playa Blanca
Each morning, boats leave at 7:30 a.m. from the port in BocaGrande on day tours to Playa Blanca for 40.000 - 60.000 COP, lunch included. Tours return around 5:30 in the afternoon.
Cartagena - Cafe Havana
There is some dispute whether salsa originated in Cuba or Colombia. Cafe Havana offers the best of both worlds, with great music and salsa dancing for only a 7.000 COP door cover.
Cartagena - Castillo de San Felipe
This massive 16th Century Spanish Fortress offers beautiful views of Cartagena and the chance to learn more of the colonial history that makes Cartagena unique.
Cartagena - Convento de la Popa
Founded in 1607 by Augustinian monks, la Popa sits upon the tallest hill in the city and offers beautiful views of the city and Caribbean.
Cartagena - El Tuturno Volcán (Mud Volcano)
What can only be described as a "weird but fun" experience, the mud volcano, 50km northeast of Cartagena, offers travelers the opportunity to unwind in a 2000m deep mudvent.
Cartagena - Fiesta de Nuestra Señora
February 2 each year, horse riders come to Cartagena from neighboring areas and parade through the streets in celebration of La Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Candelaria. The parade passes through Boca Grande, the historic district and concludes at La Popa.
Cartagena - Learn Spanish and Dive
Combine scuba diving amidst Cartagena's beautiful coral reefs with learning the local language in Cartagena's old city. Located 5 minutes from the Old City entrance. For information contact info@learnspanishanddive.com
Cartagena - Vallenato Night Bus Tour
Bus tour starts at 8PM each evening from Av San Martín between calle 4 and 5 in BocaGrande. The tour runs 3 -4 hours before dropping everyone off at a discotheque.
Costeño Beach - Surf Camp & Eco-Lodge
Costeño Beach offers the best surfing conditions on Colombia's Caribbean coast, and while others in the area offer surf board rentals, only here will you find experienced surfers with a ecological vision for the area. Affordable hammocks, campsites, cabanas, and food on site.
Costeño Beach - Casa Grande
The old site for the Costeño Beach Surf Camp, Casa Grande offers board rentals, camping, and food at twice the price. The owners' of this establishment saw the success of the Costeño Beach Surf Camp and pushed them out. Drive 3 km more and turn left for the real thing.
Costeño Beach - Don Diego River Tour
From the nearby town of Don Diego, (km 58ish) you can take a motor boat up the Don Diego River to view the abundant wildlife the Sierra Nevada Parque has to offer and the opportunity to interact with the Tayrona people living on its banks. Kayak return trips can be arranged for 7.000 COP.
Costeño Beach - Quebrada Valencia Falls
Located 5 km NE of Costeño Beach, Quebrada Valencia is an immensely popular waterfall/swimming area accessible for only 3.000 COP. The falls features dozens of swimming ponds and jumping rocks. A spectacular place to spend an afternoon. Drinks and food sold on site.
Palomino - Casa La Rosa Camping
Spectacularly hospital Colombian family provides camping at fraction of competitors price(6.000 for campsite, 8.000 for hammock rental). Bottled water available for free, and campers can use outdoor kitchen at leisure. First campsite when you reach the beach if you turn at the gas-station.
