Things To Do
in Soledad
Soledad is a bustling municipality in the Atlántico department of Colombia, lying immediately southeast of Barranquilla and functioning as part of the metropolitan area. It is a working-class, fast-paced town with lively street life, colorful neighborhoods, and close ties to Caribbean coastal culture. The town is a practical base for exploring nearby beaches, mangroves, and Barranquilla’s cultural attractions while offering an authentic taste of everyday Caribbean-Colombian life.
Expect hot, humid weather year-round, friendly people, and easy access to the region’s seafood cuisine and music traditions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a traditional Colombian breakfast at a local café, enjoying arepas and freshly brewed coffee. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets of Soledad, admiring the colonial architecture and lively atmosphere. Visit the Plaza de Soledad, where you can soak in the local culture and perhaps catch a glimpse of street performances.
In the afternoon, head to the nearby Barranquilla to explore the famous Museo del Caribe, where you can learn about the region's rich cultural heritage. After the museum, take a walk along the Magdalena River, where you can enjoy the scenic views and watch local fishermen at work. Stop for lunch at a riverside restaurant, savoring fresh seafood dishes that the area is known for.
As the sun sets, return to Soledad and visit a local market to experience the buzz of evening shopping. Sample various street foods, including empanadas and buñuelos, while mingling with locals. Finish your day at a nearby bar, listening to live music that celebrates the region's vibrant rhythms.
After breakfast, prepare for a day at the beach by packing your sunscreen and beach gear. Head to Puerto Colombia, just a short drive away, where the golden sands and warm waters await. Spend the morning swimming and sunbathing, enjoying the coastal breeze and the sound of waves crashing.
In the afternoon, dive into thrilling water sports, such as jet skiing or paddleboarding, offered by local vendors on the beach. Take a break for lunch at a beachfront restaurant, relishing fresh ceviche and tropical fruit smoothies. Spend some time beachcombing, collecting colorful shells and enjoying the vibrant beach atmosphere.
As the day winds down, watch the sunset over the Caribbean Sea, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. Gather at a beachside bar for refreshing cocktails and enjoy the laid-back vibe as night falls. End your evening by dancing to local music, embracing the joyful spirit of the coast.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee (local tinto) or snack | $1-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $1.50-4 |
| 🚌Public bus fare / local transport | $0.40-0.80 |
| 🍺Local beer at a bar | $1.50-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to Barranquilla and regional transport hubs (easy base for exploring the Caribbean coast).
- Authentic Caribbean-Colombian everyday life, affordable local food and markets.
- Proximity to beaches, mangroves and birdwatching areas.
- Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport is located in or near Soledad, giving convenient access.
- Hot, humid climate that can be uncomfortable for extended outdoor activity.
- Limited high-end tourist infrastructure compared with larger nearby cities.
- Some areas have safety concerns—need to be cautious with belongings and nighttime travel.
- Fewer curated tourist attractions within the municipality itself; many highlights require travel to Barranquilla or nearby sites.
- "Hola, ¿cómo está?" - Hello, how are you?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta esto?" - How much does this cost?
- "Gracias / Muchas gracias" - Thank you / Thank you very much
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Una cerveza, por favor" - A beer, please
- "¿Me puede ayudar, por favor?" - Can you help me, please?
Places to Visit in Soledad
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful scenes of vendors, produce, and everyday Caribbean commerce—great for candid street photography and capturing local flavors.
The airport (located in Soledad) offers dynamic photos of aircraft, runway activity and the juxtaposition of urban and industrial landscapes—best during golden hour.
Historic pier, coastline and sunset views provide classic Caribbean seascapes; fishermen and seafood stalls add cultural interest.
Dramatic meeting point of river and sea with shifting sands and strong currents—good for dramatic landscape photography, especially from safe viewpoints.
Nearby mangrove forests and wetlands are rich in bird species and offer serene nature compositions—bring a telephoto lens for wildlife shots.
Food in Soledad
Soledad Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Coconut rice served with freshly fried fish—common at coastal eateries and beachside kiosks along Puerto Colombia and Barranquilla's shores.
Must-Try!
A hearty Caribbean-style soup often made with fish or mixed meats and starchy vegetables; available in many traditional restaurants and at market lunch stalls.
Fried green plantain rounds (patacones) and yucca fritters stuffed with meat or cheese (carimañolas) — popular as snacks or side dishes in local eateries and street carts.
Fresh seafood cured with lime, onions and cilantro—served at seafood stands and mid-range coastal restaurants, especially near the piers.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Soledad’s municipal market and nearby street stalls are where locals buy fresh fish, tropical fruits and prepared foods — ideal for trying empanadas, arepas, fresh fruit juices and small seafood dishes.
Coastal kiosks and small restaurants by the pier specialise in fried fish, coconut rice and ceviche; great for informal meals with sea views.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Colombians are warm and polite—handshakes are common in formal contexts, and friends may exchange a single cheek kiss. Use formal greetings on first meetings (Buenos días/Buenas tardes).
Dress modestly when visiting churches and official buildings; show respect to elders and be polite in conversations—direct criticism in public can be seen as rude.
Social events may start more flexibly than scheduled times, but business meetings tend to respect agreed times—clarify expectations for appointments.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in markets or private property; many locals are happy to be photographed if asked politely.
Safety
Tipping in Soledad
Ensure a smooth experience
Restaurants often include a 10% service charge; if not included, leaving 5–10% for good service is appreciated but not mandatory. Tip porters, hotel housekeeping and tour guides modestly (a few thousand COP). In taxis, passengers commonly round up the fare or add a small tip for help with luggage.
Cash (Colombian peso) is commonly used, especially for street food, markets and smaller vendors. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger restaurants, hotels and supermarkets in Barranquilla; ATMs are available, but carry some cash for local purchases and remote excursions.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Sunny, hotter days with lower rainfall—excellent for beach visits, outdoor excursions and carnival festivities (Barranquilla Carnival in February/March, if scheduled). Expect high humidity but more predictable weather.
Higher chances of heavy showers and thunderstorms, especially in late afternoon; roads and unpaved trails can become muddy, and some outdoor activities may be curtailed. Bring quick-dry clothing and plan flexible itineraries.
Soledad at Night
Hiking in Soledad
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short guided walks through coastal wetlands and mangroves for birdwatching and nature observation—ideal for morning visits and photography.
Hilly landscapes and rural trails located inland from the coast—offers longer hikes and cultural visits to small towns; travel time varies by exact trailhead and route.
Not immediately adjacent but reachable as a multi-hour trip—offers world-class trekking (including Tayrona and Ciudad Perdida environs) for those planning an extended itinerary across the Caribbean region.
Airports
How to reach Soledad by plane.
The main airport serving Barranquilla and located in or adjacent to Soledad—offers domestic flights and some international connections; taxis and shuttles link the airport with Soledad and Barranquilla (short ride).
Located in Cartagena (~1.5–2.5 hours by car depending on traffic), this airport is a common alternative for international connections and coastal itineraries; buses, shuttles and private transfers connect Cartagena with Barranquilla/Soledad.
Further east along the coast (around 3–4 hours by road), Santa Marta’s airport serves domestic and some international routes and is a gateway to nearby natural attractions like the Sierra Nevada and Tayrona National Park.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Significant Afro-Colombian population with deep cultural traditions in music, food and community life—an important influence on the area’s identity.
Many residents identify as mestizo, reflecting mixed Indigenous, European and African ancestry typical of the Caribbean lowlands.
Soledad hosts many working-class families and internal migrants drawn by employment opportunities in Barranquilla, commerce and port-related industries.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport regionally—local fans follow club football passionately, and street/field games are common among children and adults.
Baseball has a strong presence along Colombia’s Caribbean coast and is popular in coastal communities for both amateur and youth play.
On coastal stretches, informal beach football and volleyball are common recreational activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Soledad.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited compared with larger cities but available: plantain-based dishes, rice, beans, salads and fried cheese are common. Ask for 'sin carne' (without meat) or request extra rice/vegetables; larger restaurants and cafes in Barranquilla are more likely to accommodate vegetarian requests.
Vegan choices can be a challenge due to frequent use of animal-based broths and dairy; stick to fruit, juices, patacones with avocado, rice with beans, and communicate restrictions clearly (use 'sin leche ni queso, por favor').
Many staple foods (rice, plantains, fresh fish) are naturally gluten-free, but fried items like empanadas often use wheat or blended flours — ask how items are prepared and seek naturally gluten-free choices.