Gran Malecón
Avenida del Rio, Barranquilla, Colombia
Perched on the banks of the Magdalena River in Barranquilla, the Gran Malecón del Rio is the top spot to soak up the Caribbean charm of the city. It boasts bars, restaurants, sports fields, and a giant golden statue of Shakira (the singer was born and raised in Barranquilla), and overlooks Salamanca Island Nature Reserve, where mangrove forests shelter almost 200 bird species.
The basics
Barranquilla sightseeing tours almost always take you to the Gran Malecón del Rio—the city’s premier recreational destination. Walking and biking tours typically combine the waterfront promenade with cultural attractions such as the Carnival Museum, which traces the history of the celebration in Colombia, and Plaza San Nicolás, with its confection-colored church. Food tours tend to stop by the Caiman del Rio, a modern food court whose structure resembles a ready-to-chomp caima, sharp teeth and all.
Things to know before you go
The even, paved pathways of Gran Malecón are easily accessible for those using wheelchairs and strollers.
Dogs are welcome on the boardwalk, and there’s even a doggy park where you can let them off the leash.
Most of the riverside stretch is exposed to the sun, so wear sunscreen and a hat if you’re visiting midday.
There’s a children’s playground plus table tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts along the Gran Malecón.
How to get there
Gran Malecón del Rio is on the shores of the Magdalena River in Barranquilla on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. It’s a 15-minute drive from the Plaza de San Nicolás in the center of the city; you can use rideshare services such as Uber in Barranquilla. There are regular bus departures from Cartagena and Santa Marta.
When to get there
The best time to visit the Gran Malecón del Rio is during the afternoon and evening, when the boardwalk is at its most buzzing. It’s a great place to go for dinner and watch the sunset over Salamanca Island Nature Reserve—you’re also likely to spot some of the bird species swooping over the water once daytime temperatures have cooled.
What to eat in Barranquilla
The Gran Malecón serves as the city’s culinary hub, with its array of restaurants and street-food stalls. The top dishes to try include butifarra (a flavorsome pork sausage), fritos (deep-fried snacks made with plantain and cheese), and chuzo desgranado (shredded meat on a bed of pineapple, crushed chips, lettuce, and grated cheese).
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