Monteria

About

Founded by the Spanish in 1777, Monteria moved to its present location after the original settlement was destroyed by natives in 1803. With a river port connected to the Caribbean Sea, Monteria has grown to become one of the 10 largest cities in the country. There isn’t much in the way of sights, but head to the Parque Simon Bolivar, and you’ll find an open air market offering handicrafts and street-food, and perhaps the prettiest building in the city: the elegant, white Catedral de San Jeronimo. If you’re shopping for souvenirs, keep an eye out for the city’s signature Sombrero Vueltiao, a patterned hat that’s one of Colombia’s national symbols - the more flexible it is, the higher quality. Alternatively, you can head to the Ronda del Sinú on the banks of the River Sinú for a stroll through the largest lineal park in Latin America, where monkeys and iguanas roam free and multiple restaurants offer laid-back dining options.