Getting there & accomodation

Travel

Air - The shortest flights to Colombia from Australia are via Argentina or Chile.  Flights to Colombia are not particularly cheap; you will be looking at around AUD$2500 to AUD$3000 for a return flight.

The most common way to get to Barranquilla is to fly into Bogotá and then catch a domestic flight to Baranquilla’s Ernesto Cortissoz Airport which is 7 kilometres south of the city.  The other option is to fly into Cartagena’s Rafael Nunez International Airport and travel overland by bus to Barranquilla for  around  $AUD15.

There are some international flights direct to Ernesto Cortissoz from US cities such as Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Panama City. 

Chat to a travel agent if you are not sure, they will be able to help you work out the cheapest route.

Land - Land borders for entry into Colombia are through Venezuela and Ecuador. 

The closest border crossing to Barranquilla is through Maracaibo (Venezuela) to Maicao (Colombia).  Maicao is located east of Barranquilla.  You can catch a domestic flight or bus (approx.. 10hrs) from Maicao to Barranquilla.

  

Accommodation

Depending on your budget, there is plenty of accommodation options in Barranquilla although at Carnival time prices are doubled or even tripled.  If you can, try to book your accommodation as early as possible to ensure you have somewhere to stay.  It is definitely not recommended to try and find somewhere once you have arrived.

One of the best ways to find accommodation options is to read other people’s travel blogs & reviews online like Trip Advisor, or the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree travel forum.  These sites help you get other travellers experience and a true picture of what to expect before you arrive.

Here are some accommodation options ranging in price;

• Hotel Skal – rooms range from AUD$10 to AUD$25
• Hotel San Francisco – rooms range from AUD$50 to AUD$70 per night.
• Hotel Country International – rooms start from AUD$150 per night.
• Hotel El Prado (4 stars) – as reviewed on Trip Advisor as the top hotel in Barranquilla, Hotel El Prado manages to keep its charm and old style that attracts many.  Rooms start from AUD$200 per night.