Bucaramanga

Save

Advertisement

Note: Javascript is disabled in your browser.
To see the gallery in all its glory, you'll need to enable Javascript.

Introducing Bucaramanga

Surrounded by mountains and filled with an air of vibrancy, the rapidly expanding town of Bucaramanga makes for a decent stopover on the long road between Bogotá and the coast. There is little to see in the city itself, but facilities are fine for an overnight stop or as a base to visit Girón, a nearby colonial-era town and legitimate tourist attraction.

Advertisement

Bucaramanga, the capital of Santander, is also noted for its cigars, numerous parks and the famous hormiga culona, a large ant that is fried and eaten.

The city was founded in 1622 and developed around what is today the Parque García Rovira, but very little of its colonial architecture remains. Over the centuries, the city center moved eastwards, and today Parque Santander marks the heart of Bucaramanga. Further east are newer districts, peppered with hotels and nightspots.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009

Tips & articles

  1. Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled Colombia itinerary

    4 November 2009

    Having weathered years of civil strife and daunting press, Colombia has only recently reappeared on the...

    Read more

See all tips & articles for Bucaramanga

In our shop

Bags feeling light?
Coffee table looking bare?
Get your guidebooks, travel goods, even individual chapters, right here.

See all books in our shop

Hotels & Hostels

Check out all our reviewed and recommended accommodation and book online.

Find hotels & hostels

Travel Insurance

Going to Colombia? Make sure you're covered.

Get a quote

See all travel services

Advertisement