Things To Do
in Barrancas
Barrancas, Colombia sits in the northern Caribbean region, where warm breezes and vibrant markets shape everyday life. The town blends Afro-Colombian culture with Wayuu crafts and a laid-back, coastal rhythm. Historic streets wind around a central plaza anchored by a colonial church and colorful houses.
Nearby mangroves, rivers, and desert landscapes invite short nature excursions from the town.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
You’ll arrive in Barrancas at first light and feel the cool breeze of the valley as you roll into the local plaza. The pastel-colored buildings glow in the soft dawn, and you’ll meet your host family over cups of freshly brewed Colombian coffee. After settling in, take a brief walk to admire the rugged hills that cradle the town.
Check into your charming guesthouse and wander through the narrow streets lined with bougainvillea. Pop into the colonial church to admire its simple white façade and chat with friendly shopkeepers. As the sun climbs higher, relax with a fresh bocadillo de guayaba at a sidewalk café.
Sample local street food like empanadas and patacones as merchants light lanterns along Calle Real. Watch the sunset paint the mountains gold and violet while sipping on a chilled jugo de tamarindo. Finish your night with an early rest, lulled by crickets outside your window.
After breakfast, head out to the Cerrejón open-pit coal mine, one of the largest in the world. A knowledgeable guide explains the geology and industrial process as you gaze down into the massive excavation. The morning light shimmers off the heavy machinery moving like titans below.
Enjoy a lunch on-site catered by local chefs, featuring grilled chicken and arepas made from freshly ground corn. Learn about environmental safeguards and community programs initiated by the mine’s operators. In an interactive demo, test-drive a miniature model haul truck simulator for a fun, hands-on experience.
Return to Barrancas and debrief over a traditional arroz con pollo dinner at a small eatery. Swap stories with other travelers and locals who’ve witnessed the mine’s impact on the region. Cap the night with stargazing in the clear desert sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
| 🏨One night in a mid-range hotel | $40-70 |
| 🚕Taxi ride within town | $2-6 |
| 👜Handicraft souvenir | $5-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic culture and friendly locals
- Affordable travel with real regional cuisine
- Close access to beaches, mangroves, and desert landscapes
- Low-key nightlife and relaxed pace
- Limited direct flight options and longer travel times if coming from outside Colombia
- Some services slow in smaller towns
- Heat and humidity can be intense
- Less tourist infrastructure than bigger Caribbean cities
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el mercado?" - Where is the market?
- "¿Puede ayudarme?" - Can you help me?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Una mesa para dos, por favor" - A table for two, please
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
Places to Visit in Barrancas
Visit one of these nice places.
A central square framed by colonial-style buildings and the church, ideal for sunrise or golden-hour portraits.
Colorful shops and riverside reflections create lively street photography opportunities.
A strip of vividly painted homes and balconies perfect for street photography.
Overlook of the harbor area and sunset views over the water.
Food in Barrancas
Barrancas Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Rice with fish cooked in coconut milk and herbs, a simple, comforting coastal dish.
Must-Try!
A creamy coconut and cheese soup, typical of La Guajira, often enjoyed with bread.
A fried corn cake stuffed with egg, crunchy on the outside and soft inside.
Seafood stew with coconut milk, peppers, and herbs, best enjoyed with warm white rice.
Yuca frita filled with cheese or meat, a popular street snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant market stalls offering fresh fruit, seafood, and local snacks.
Casual counters along the main avenues serving arepa, sancocho, and yucca-based bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Say buenos días/tardes and shake hands when meeting people, especially in shops and markets.
Ask before taking photos of people or homes and respect traditional dress and crafts.
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches or formal settings.
Maintain a friendly, polite tone; interrupting or loud displays are frowned upon in quiet neighborhoods.
Safety
Tipping in Barrancas
Ensure a smooth experience
Restaurants usually add a service fee; if not, a 5-10% tip is customary for good service. Taxi drivers typically do not expect tips, but small round-ups are appreciated.
Cash (COP) is widely accepted in markets and small venues; many restaurants and hotels accept cards and mobile wallets (nequi, Davivienda).
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, sunny days with ocean breezes; dress lightly, stay hydrated, and use reef-safe sunscreen. Great for beach time and outdoor markets.
Periods of afternoon showers and higher humidity; carry a light rain jacket and waterproof bag; mornings are often drier and cooler.
Barrancas at Night
Hiking in Barrancas
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible day hikes with tropical forests and viewpoints on the surrounding plains.
Longer trips offer expansive desert landscapes and coastal scenery.
Airports
How to reach Barrancas by plane.
Closest regional airport with domestic flights and connections to major Colombian cities.
Larger international-style airport providing more flight options and longer-range connections.
A larger hub about a few hours away by road, useful for longer itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant presence in the region, known for weaving and distinctive crafts.
Influence local music, food, and cultural expressions.
Everyday life features a mix of families from across Colombia and nearby regions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, played informally in plazas and organized leagues.
Common on nearby beaches and coastal towns during dry season.
Local fishing culture with small boats and coastal catches.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Barrancas.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Ask for vegetable stews, arroz con coco, plantain dishes, and salads; many places can omit fish or meat if requested.
Rely on rice, beans, seafood, and grilled vegetables; request no flour-based sauces.