7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Barranquilla

Barranquilla, is a vibrant city known for its colorful carnival and rich culture. Digital nomads living here can enjoy the city's lively atmosphere, but sometimes a weekend getaway is just what's needed to recharge. Fortunately, Barranquilla is ideally situated for quick trips to a variety of destinations, from stunning beaches to tranquil mountain retreats. Whether you're looking for popular tourist spots or hidden gems off the beaten path, there's something for every type of traveler.

Cartagena

Just a couple of hours away from Barranquilla lies the historic city of Cartagena. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant street life, and beautiful beaches. Spend your weekend wandering through the colorful streets of the Old Town, exploring the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, or relaxing on the beaches of Playa Blanca. Cartagena's rich history and culture make it a must-visit for anyone in the region.

How to Get There: The best way to get to Cartagena from Barranquilla is by bus, which takes about 2 to 3 hours. There are multiple departures daily from the main bus terminal in Barranquilla.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the chance to experience the sunset from the walls of the Old City. The view over the Caribbean Sea is breathtaking and provides the perfect backdrop for an evening stroll.

Where to Stay: Hotel Casa San Agustin offers luxury accommodations with a pool that is perfect for cooling off after a day of sightseeing. For a more budget-friendly option, consider staying at the charming Casa La Fe.

Where to Eat: La Cevicheria is renowned for its exquisite seafood dishes, particularly its ceviche, which is said to be some of the best in the city.

Santa Marta

Santa Marta, a picturesque city on the Caribbean coast, is another popular destination for a weekend escape. It's the gateway to the stunning Tayrona National Park, where you can hike through lush jungle to reach pristine beaches. The city itself boasts a lovely historic center, vibrant markets, and a beautiful waterfront. Santa Marta is also a great base for exploring the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) trek, an adventure through ancient indigenous ruins.

How to Get There: Santa Marta is about a 3-hour drive from Barranquilla. Regular buses run between the two cities, or you can opt for a shared taxi or private transfer for a quicker journey.

Travel Tip: Make sure to visit the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the estate where Simón Bolívar spent his last days. The lush gardens and historical significance make it a worthwhile stop.

Where to Stay: The Dreamer Hostel is a favorite among travelers for its social atmosphere and pool. For a more upscale experience, check into the Irotama Resort with its beachfront location and multiple swimming pools.

Where to Eat: Ouzo Restaurante offers a Mediterranean twist to the local cuisine, with a charming ambiance and delicious dishes like grilled octopus and moussaka.

Minca

For those seeking a cooler climate and mountain scenery, Minca is a small village nestled in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. This eco-friendly destination is perfect for digital nomads who enjoy nature and want to disconnect for a weekend. Hiking, bird watching, and visiting coffee farms are popular activities. The natural swimming pools and waterfalls, such as Pozo Azul, offer a refreshing break from the heat of the coast.

How to Get There: Minca is about a 4-hour journey from Barranquilla. Take a bus to Santa Marta and then a shared taxi or moto-taxi up the mountain to Minca.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to tour a local coffee farm. You'll learn about the coffee-making process and enjoy some of the freshest coffee you've ever tasted.

Where to Stay: Casa Loma Minca is a unique treehouse-style hostel with stunning views of the mountains and coastline. For a more luxurious stay, consider the eco-lodges like Minca Ecohabs.

Where to Eat: La Miga Panaderia is a quaint bakery that offers fresh bread, pastries, and excellent coffee, perfect for a breakfast with a view.

Palomino

Palomino is a laid-back beach town that's becoming increasingly popular among backpackers and those looking to unwind. The town's beaches are wide, with soft sand and a relaxed vibe. Palomino is also known for its unique tubing experience down the Palomino River, which ends in the Caribbean Sea. It's an ideal spot for those who want to combine beach time with some gentle adventure.

How to Get There: To reach Palomino, take a bus from Barranquilla to Santa Marta and then another bus to Palomino, which in total can take around 5 hours.

Travel Tip: Try river tubing down the Palomino River for a relaxing way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The gentle currents carry you down to the sea, offering a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape.

Where to Stay: The Tiki Hut Hostel is known for its bamboo huts and pool, providing a tropical paradise feel. For a more intimate setting, Casa Coraje offers beautiful bungalows right on the beach.

Where to Eat: Sua Palomino is not only a great place to stay but also offers a fantastic restaurant with a variety of local and international dishes, including fresh seafood and vegetarian options.

La Guajira Desert

For a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, the La Guajira Desert offers a stark contrast to the lush landscapes typically found in Colombia. This remote and arid region is home to the indigenous Wayuu people and features otherworldly landscapes, including salt flats, sand dunes, and rugged coastlines. A trip to La Guajira is an adventure into a less-visited part of Colombia, where you can witness the beauty of untouched nature and learn about the Wayuu culture.

How to Get There: Reaching La Guajira can be a bit more challenging. It's best to go with a guided tour, which can be arranged from Riohacha, the capital of the department of La Guajira. Riohacha is about a 6-hour drive from Barranquilla.

Travel Tip: Be sure to visit Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas, the northernmost point of South America. The sunsets here are spectacular, and the sense of remoteness is truly special.

Where to Stay: Accommodations in La Guajira are basic, given its remote nature. Ecohotel El Horno offers comfortable stays with the essentials, and Rancheria Utta is an authentic Wayuu guesthouse experience.

Where to Eat: Dining options are limited in the desert, but local Wayuu restaurants offer traditional dishes like fried fish, goat, and arepas. It's a chance to try authentic local cuisine.

San Bernardo del Viento

San Bernardo del Viento is a hidden gem located on the coast of the department of Córdoba. This tranquil beach destination is far less touristy than other coastal towns, offering digital nomads a peaceful retreat. The beaches are wide and often nearly empty, providing a private paradise feel. The nearby San Bernardo Archipelago is also worth exploring, with its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life.

How to Get There: The journey to San Bernardo del Viento involves a bus ride to Montería, followed by a local bus or taxi to the coast, totaling around 6 hours from Barranquilla.

Travel Tip: Take a boat trip to the San Bernardo Archipelago and visit Isla Palma, where you can snorkel among coral reefs and even spot bioluminescent plankton at night.

Where to Stay: Hotel Playa Dorada offers beachfront accommodation with the convenience of an on-site restaurant and bar. For a more secluded experience, consider staying at Punta Faro on Isla Múcura in the archipelago.

Where to Eat: The local eateries along the beach serve fresh seafood dishes, with fried fish and coconut rice being a popular choice among visitors.

Galerazamba

Galerazamba is an unusual and lesser-known destination near the town of Santa Catalina. It's home to the striking Pink Sea, or "Mar Rosado," where the water takes on a pink hue due to the high concentration of salt and microorganisms. This natural phenomenon is a photographer's dream and a unique sight to behold. The nearby salt flats and artisanal salt mines offer further insight into the local industry.

How to Get There: To visit Galerazamba, take a bus from Barranquilla to Santa Catalina, which takes about 2 hours, and then a short taxi ride to the Pink Sea.

Travel Tip: The best time to see the Pink Sea is during the dry season, from January to April, when the color is most vibrant. Make sure to check the seasonality before planning your trip.

Where to Stay: Accommodations are limited in Galerazamba itself, so consider staying in nearby towns or in Barranquilla and making it a day trip.

Where to Eat: Local food stalls and small restaurants in Santa Catalina offer traditional Colombian dishes, such as arepas de huevo (egg-filled arepas) and patacones (fried plantains).

These weekend getaways offer a diverse range of experiences for digital nomads living in Barranquilla, from cultural excursions to natural wonders. Whether you're looking to explore historic cities, relax on secluded beaches, or venture into the desert, there's something nearby to satisfy your wanderlust.