Puerto Colombia: The jewel of Caribbean tourism
How authorities in Puerto Colombia are attempting to follow the lead of Playa del Carmen, a former fishing community in Mexico that is now one of the Riviera Maya's busiest tourist destinations.
Puerto Colombia will expand its gastronomic, recreational, and cultural offerings in two months and get a new tourist complex. In this way, this well-liked vacation spot on the Atlantic coast is en route to becoming the crown gem of Caribbean travel and a fulcrum for the regional and global enterprise.
The property has seen a significant increase in both visitors and economic activity since it was included in the list of the "25 Towns to Fall in Love". As an illustration, Playa del Carmen (Mexico), a former fishing community that is now one of the Riviera Maya's busiest tourist destinations, is being studied as a model for Puerto Colombia's macro tourism project.
This large-scale project will cost 150 billion Colombian pesos, which will go toward infrastructural improvements that will help the department's economy and tourism industry grow. With assistance from the Governor's Office, Fontur, and the local mayor's office, the repair of the pier and the vast plaza—which cost 40 billion pesos—has already been completed.
Currently, four additional initiatives are being carried out that, in the words of Miguel Vergara, secretary of economic development for the Atlantico, "would make Puerto the diamond in the crown of entertainment, art, history, and gourmet tourism." Here are some locations that are particularly noteworthy for travel in Puerto Colombia.
San Antonio de Salgar Castle
It is a colonial construction declared a Heritage and Cultural Asset of the Nation, a place of historical and tourist interest. Located on a strategic mound for its initial function as a customs control post, it offers a view of an imposing natural landscape. At the moment, its facilities are used to display cultural works, host social events, and serve as tourist attractions. The sunsets at the castle offer a very appreciated moment for photographers to capture colors and contrasts.
Maritime Pier
The maritime pier was built in 1920, the first in Colombia and the second longest in the world. Its architecture is integrated with the Main Square and the Malecon del Mar, which recreates the identity of the port with pedestrian paths that invite you to walk along them and enjoy the breeze, a beautiful sunset, and the murmur of the waves.
Main Square
In the Main Square is the Santuario Mariano Nuestra Seora del Carmen, a beautiful religious temple that presides over this place, the center of the town.
Old Railroad Station
The Old Railroad Station is another place to visit; it's a building that houses a cultural center where photography exhibits are displayed, talks on cultural topics are held, and various folkloric exhibitions are staged. On Saturdays and Sundays, from 9:00 a.m. From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the Estacionarte Foundation offers tourists the opportunity to buy handicrafts of great artistic value.
Restaurants and beaches
In Puerto Colombia, you can sample a wide range of cuisines, including traditional seafood, Italian, and Mediterranean fare.There are different restaurants: Hotel Pradomar, Mahalo, Mediterráneo Bar Restaurante, Fratelli d'Italia, Kilymandiaro Sunset, Paradise, Villa Alcatraz, and Castillo de Salgar.
Pradomar Beach
Located 25 kilometers from Barranquilla, it offers visitors shaded shacks in a clean and well-kept place, hammocks to rest in, restaurants located on the seashore, and hotels that offer the typical dishes of the region, as well as tropical fruit and seafood cocktails accompanied by live music. Enjoying the scenery on a walk along the seashore is an experience worth enjoying.
Sabanilla Beach
It is a very popular beach due to its proximity to the city of Barranquilla. It can be reached by inter-municipal bus route or by private vehicle. It offers shaded shacks, good food, and a pleasant atmosphere.
Salgar Beach
Located in the town of Salgar, it has a good access road. In the traditional huts on the seashore, you can taste all the cuisine of the region. This beach has increased the practice of paddle surfing (surfing with a paddle). From the early hours of the morning, activities begin to connect with nature and exercise the body and mental concentration.
Kilymandiaro Sunset Paradise
At Kilymandiaro Beach Club, you can find the magic that combines good music and a delicious gastronomic proposal. The best place in the Caribbean to enjoy the best food and the best atmosphere, along with the sun, the sand, and the breeze.
Mirador del Cisne Lake Park
The Mirador Lago del Cisne Park is a very quiet place to enjoy a beautiful sunset with the family. It has benches under trees and grass to sit on near the lake and have a picnic. It has a children's playground.
Solinilla Recreational Center
The Solinilla Recreational Center is the ideal place for rest, recreation, and sports for members of the Combarranquilla Compensation Fund. It has two swimming pools for adults, two swimming pools for children, and a water slide.
Surfing, paddle surfing, or windsurfing
In Puerto Colombia, you can practice sports such as surfing, windsurfing, and paddle surfing. You can attend classes or rent equipment.
Kiya Kitesurfing
They are a school dedicated to teaching kitesurfing since 2008, run by professionals and amateurs of the sport and certified by IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization). Sharing the incredible sensations of kitesurfing and providing excellent service through this discipline. The school offers other sports such as surfing, bodyboarding, and SUP (stand-up paddle board).
