Major city · Colombia
Barranquilla
Go only for Carnaval (four days before Ash Wednesday) or as a cheap one-night stop between Cartagena and Santa Marta; otherwise skip it.
Barranquilla is Colombia's main Caribbean port and industrial city, not a sightseeing town. Its one world-class event is Carnaval de Barranquilla, a four-day UNESCO-listed celebration. Outside those dates most travellers pass through in a night or use it as a cheaper base between Cartagena and Santa Marta.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- COP
- Best months
- Dec–Apr (dry); Carnaval falls in Feb or early Mar
- avoid May, Aug–Nov (wettest); Carnaval week if you want quiet
- Airport
- BAQ
- Nights
- 1–2 (4 during Carnaval)
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Colombia ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Migración Colombia or a Colombian consulate; some travellers must complete an online migration form before arrival.
- Colombia ↗Security advice lists specific departments and border areas: check your own government's advice for every place on your route, including coastal roads.
- Colombia ↗Never accept drinks, food or cigarettes from strangers, and be careful with people met on dating apps: drugging (including with scopolamine) followed by robbery is a known risk.
- Colombia ↗Fill in Check-MIG only on the official Migración Colombia site; it is free, and lookalike sites charge a fee.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Barranquilla123 ▾
- Police, ambulance and fire123
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Barranquilla, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Colombian peso (COP, $).Colombia-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckClaro (best coverage), Movistar and Tigo SIMs in malls and at airports; passport required and IMEI registration may apply for longer stays — check.Colombia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in Bogotá and Medellín; drink bottled on the coast and in rural areas.Colombia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% propina voluntaria offered on the bill.Colombia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Colombia-wide
- SafetyUse taxis after dark, keep to the north for walking, and treat the centre and Bocas de Ceniza as daytime-only.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin in most places; bring tissues for bus stations.Colombia-wide
- Emergency numbers123 police, ambulance and fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums close Mondays; Monday holidays (puentes) move almost half of public holidays.Colombia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckBAQ Ernesto Cortissoz International (In Soledad, south of the city; taxi to the centre about 30–40 min (check)).
- Getting aroundTaxis have no meters: agree the fare before you get in.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCOP$3,000–6,000
- Street or quick mealLocal set lunch (menú del día)COP$15,000–25,000
- BeerBeer (Águila) at a tienda / in a barCOP$3,000–5,000COP$8,000–12,000
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Short taxi ride (about 2.5 km (1.6 mi))Short taxi ride (about 1.6 mi (2.5 km))Doubles at night, weekends and during Carnaval.COP$7,500–12,000
- Metro or bus rideCity bus rideCOP$2,800 (check)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum or zoo entryCOP$10,000–35,000 (check)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personCOP 45,000
- Mid-range bedDouble room, mid-range hotel, a night, per roomCOP 220,000
- High-end bedDouble room, mid-range hotel, a night, per roomCOP 400,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget COP 130,000 · Mid COP 230,000 · High COP 420,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BAQ Ernesto Cortissoz International (In Soledad, south of the city; taxi to the centre about 30–40 min (check))
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Feb
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Mar
Best*
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Apr
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
May
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Oct
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Nov
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Dec
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Best: Dec–Apr. Avoid: May, Aug–Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Apr (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C) low), wettest Oct (14 rain days), driest Jan (1). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Barranquilla: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
1 rd
Feb
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
1 rd
Mar
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
2 rd
Apr
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
5 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
10 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
9 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
8 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
11 rd
Sep
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13 rd
Oct
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14 rd
Nov
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10 rd
Dec
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
4 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Taxis have no meters: agree the fare before you get in. Short hops start around COP$7,500 and can double at night, at weekends, in the rain or during Carnaval. City buses cost about COP$2,800 but need a prepaid card. Mototaxis are illegal and risky. Cycling is popular along the Malecón and the coast road.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Cartagena
goDoor to door: 2–2.5 h
Air-conditioned van (Cochetur) or bus from the centre, about 2 h
Vans run between Cartagena, Barranquilla and Santa Marta for about COP$25,000 per person (check).
Santa Cruz de Mompox
overnightDoor to door: 5–6 h
Bus or van south along the Magdalena, then a final leg
Too far for a day return; sleep at least one night.
Montería
overnightDoor to door: 4–5 h
Long-distance bus from the terminal
River town; pair with a Planeta Rica or Sincelejo stop.
Tolú
overnightDoor to door: 3–4 h
Bus to Sincelejo or Tolú via the coast road
Beach base for the Gulf of Morrosquillo.
Rincón del Mar
overnightDoor to door: 4–5 h
Bus to Tolú, then a short boat or road transfer
Quiet village beaches; no day trip.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Norte Centro Histórico (El Prado, Washington)
Safest and most comfortable; hotels, restaurants and bars within walking distance.
Centro
Cheapest rooms and the market streets; busy by day, avoid walking at night.
Las Mercedes / Alto Prado
Quieter residential north; good mid-range and business hotels, taxis needed.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- COP$120,000–180,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- COP$180,000–320,000 excl. bed
- High
- COP$320,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, mid-range hotel1 × 1 night × COP 220,000 | COP 220,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × COP 230,000 | COP 460,000 |
| Airport taxi, both ways1 × COP 90,000 · check | COP 90,000 |
| City bus ride2 × COP 3,000 · check | COP 6,000 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × COP 40,000 | COP 80,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | COP 86,000 |
| Trip total≈ COP 471,000 per person per day, bed included | COP 942,000 |
2026 estimate in pesos; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | COP$3,000–6,000 |
| Local set lunch (menú del día) | COP$15,000–25,000 |
| Fried bocachico with rice and patacón | COP$25,000–45,000 |
| Beer (Águila) at a tienda / in a bar | COP$3,000–5,000 / COP$8,000–12,000 |
| Short taxi ride (about 2.5 km)Doubles at night, weekends and during Carnaval. | COP$7,500–12,000 |
| City bus ride | COP$2,800 (check) |
| Museum or zoo entry | COP$10,000–35,000 (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Taxis have no visible meters: fix the price before departure.
- Bocas de Ceniza has a record of knifepoint robbery and little police presence; many locals avoid it.
- Mototaxis are illegal and the drivers are reckless.
- Carnaval week: book beds and flights months ahead and expect doubled taxi fares.
- The centre is not safe to walk after dark.
Emergency numbers
- Police, ambulance and fire
- 123
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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BarranquillaBarranquilla
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, ambulance and fire123
Embassy
Most embassies are in Bogotá; the US, UK and Canada have no consulate in Barranquilla (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- BAQ airport → centre, taxi: COP$40,000–60,000, 30–40 min (check)
- Barranquilla → Cartagena, van: about COP$25,000, 2 h (check)
- Barranquilla → Santa Marta, van: about COP$25,000, 2 h (check)
Say or show
- ¿Cuánto cuesta hasta…? — How much to go to…? (KWAN-to KWES-ta AS-ta)
- ¿Cuál es la tarifa? — Please use the meter / agree the price (kwal es la ta-REE-fa)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRA-syas)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (la KWEN-ta por fa-VOR)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWE-do pa-GAR kon tar-HE-ta)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the toilet? (DON-de es-TA el BA-nyo)
Taxis have no meters; agree the fare before you get in.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Barranquilla. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Apr (dry); Carnaval falls in Feb or early Mar · avoid May, Aug–Nov (wettest); Carnaval week if you want quiet · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for BAQ: taxi fare bands, official stand location, late-arrival fallback.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Gran Malecón, Centro and the Aduana, El Prado, Washington.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Museo Mapuka, Zoológico, Castillo de Salgar, Teatro Amira de la Rosa).
- Carnaval fixtures: dated parade calendar, viewing-stand tickets, taxi surge rules.
Sources
- officialAlcaldía de Barranquilla
- officialCarnaval de Barranquilla
- officialZoológico de Barranquilla
- secondaryWikivoyage: Barranquilla, revision 5220482 (CC BY-SA 4.0)