Barranquilla

About

Within a century of being recognized as a town, Barranquilla grew to be the country’s principal port and second largest city. A melting pot of cultures, the city’s diverse population gave birth to the country’s largest carnival - a UNESCO-listed affair, that sees a dizzying variety of costumes and music parade through the streets. The rest of the year, Barranquilla receives few visitors, meaning it will just be you and the locals in the many great bars and restaurants. The Plaza de San Nicolás is dominated by the vibrant, 18th century St. Nicolas Church, and is lined with cafes and restaurants where you can watch the world go by. Gabriel Garcia Marquez used to meet with a group of like-minded writers and philosophers at the restaurant-bar La Cueva, which still holds live performances and readings. Garcia Marquez even has a section among the varied exhibits at the unique Museo del Caribe.