The Greater Colombian Caribbean: a place full of historic cities, paradisiacal beaches, and great culinary diversity

March 28, 2022: The expansive stretches of white sandy Caribbean coastline in the northern Colombia are one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world. Every year, the region receives thrill seeking tourists who love to bask on the Greater Colombian Caribbean’s more than 1,800 kilometres of shorelines facing the Caribbean Sea. It is one of the macro regions of the South American nation where anyone can experience a taste of the Caribbean with a Colombian twist, from delicacies with native Caribbean ingredients to traditional Colombian culinary treats.

While in Dubai, visitors of the Colombia Pavilion at the Expo 2020 are enticed to venture into an array of sensory experiences of the various regions of Colombia. For instance, some of the most alluring coastal destinations to discover in this region include the turquoise waters and white sandy beaches of Playa Grande, Bahía Concha, Palomino and Neguanje, ideal for relaxation to the beats of Colombia’s folk music. World-renowned Rafael Escalona and Carlos Vives, known for their exemplary contributions in folk music also hail from the Greater Colombian Caribbean.

The Greater Colombian Caribbean is also known for the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a UNESCO world heritage site; Tayrona National Natural Park, a protected eco-tourism site; the sea of seven colours of San Andres and Providencia, an archipelago located in the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, a significant marine ecosystem and the long narrow beaches of Palomino.

The vibrant cities in this region offer an array of opportunities to explore our interests in culture, nature, or history. For instance, Barranquilla, also known as “Curramba La Bella,” hosts one of the world’s largest carnival and celebration of folklore Carnival of Barranquilla. The travel through culturally and ethnically diverse Santa Marta or Cartagena, the historic city dubbed as the romantic getaway in Colombia, is also a fulfilling experience.

The Barranquilla is synonymous with joy, music, art, and Colombia’s culture and will offer a high-spirited experience to the local as well as international travellers and tourists. Moreover, the city, also known as the Golden Gate of Colombia, due to the location of one of the nation’s most important ports is also a major hub for transport and logistics. The ideal geographic and strategic location also enable this capital city of Atlántico Department to further strengthen its position as a city with high potential for economic and industrial development.

Beaches with sea and jungle: memorable experiences

The city of Santa Marta, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, is a traveller’s haven with Sierra Nevada’s white-peaked mountains, pristine beaches, and streets that tell stories of its colonial past. Further, this place is also ideal for travellers who want a glimpse of Colombia’s indigenous culture as this biosphere reserve is home to approximately 30,000 people from indigenous groups such as Kogi, Arhuaco, Kankuamo, And Wiwa.

In Santa Marta is located the Tayrona National Natural Park, an impressive natural landscape with jungle, beautiful beaches and deep blue sea where tourists can enjoy experiences such as bird watching, fauna and flora, diving, nautical tours and ecological tours.

If you are someone who prefers a vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the city but sometimes seek for a slice of urban life, Cartagena is the best bet. Located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, it is a paradise in its true sense with nature blessed archipelagos and islands like Tierra Bomba Island, Múcura Islan, and Barú Island. The city that exuberates in the charm of its rich colonial architecture also has a vivid and vibrant nightlife, enthralling cultural activities and opulent nature for a remarkable vacation.

Colombia Pavilion at the Expo 2020 is indeed a gateway to the rich heritage, cultural diversity as well as business opportunities in Colombia, one of Latin America’s most robust economies. The nation is highly focused on its macro-regions, which are considered instrumental in the growth of its tourism sector. Colombian authorities aim to foster new business opportunities and contribute towards Colombia’s sustainable development.