Valledupar, known as the birthplace of vallenato, is a vibrant city located in the northeast of Colombia, in the department of Cesar. This region is famous for its musical traditions, lush natural surroundings, and rich culture. If you have the opportunity to visit Valledupar and only have one day to explore it, here we offer you a complete itinerary so you can make the most of your time.
Early morning: Enjoy the sunrise next to the Guatapuri River
Start your day early with a visit to the Guatapuri River, one of the most iconic natural symbols of Valledupar. This river, whose name in the indigenous language means "river of cold water", flows from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, offering impressive landscapes and crystal-clear waters.
Recommended place: Balneario Hurtado. This is an iconic spot where locals and visitors alike enjoy a refreshing swim. You can walk along the riverbank while enjoying the sunrise and, if you feel like it, dive into its cold waters to start the day with energy.
Tomorrow: Tour the Historic Center of Valledupar
After a quick breakfast of empanadas and corozo juice, a typical fruit of the region, head to the Historic Center of Valledupar. This place offers a window into the city's colonial past and is perfect for immersing yourself in its history.
Plaza Alfonso López: This is the heart of the Historic Center. The plaza is famous for being the main stage of the Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata, the most important cultural event in the city. Here you will find a statue of Alfonso López and you can enjoy the colonial architecture that surrounds the plaza.
Nuestra Señora del Rosario Cathedral: Located in front of the square, this cathedral is one of the oldest religious buildings in the region. Its interior is simple but charming, and its history is deeply linked to the development of the city.
Colonial alleys: Walk along the cobblestone streets and see houses with colorful facades and ornate balconies. Here you can also find craft shops selling Arhuaco backpacks, vueltiao hats and other traditional products.
Mid-Morning: Learn about Vallenato
You can't visit Valledupar without learning about vallenato, the musical genre that has given the city international fame. For this, a stop at the Casa Beto Murgas, also known as the Accordion Museum, is a must.
Casa Beto Murgas: This private museum offers a unique experience about the history of vallenato and its main instrument, the accordion. Beto Murgas, its founder, is a vallenato virtuoso and an exceptional guide who will tell you about the evolution of the genre and the importance of minstrels in its dissemination.
Fun fact: In 2015, vallenato music was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Midday: Typical Vallenato lunch
At lunchtime, take the opportunity to sample traditional dishes from the region. Valledupar is known for its authentic and tasty cuisine, where fresh ingredients and traditional recipes predominate.
Recommended dishes:
Sancocho de gallina: A thick soup made with yuca, plantain, corn and chicken.
Black-headed bean rice: A typical recipe from the region prepared with a special type of bean.
Cheese Arepa: Perfect to accompany any dish.
Suggested restaurant: Restaurante Donde Mingo is an excellent option to try these dishes in a cozy and authentic atmosphere.
Afternoon: Explore the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
One of the natural gems of Valledupar is its proximity to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the highest coastal mountain range in the world. If you have the time and energy, you can take a short excursion to one of the nearby indigenous villages or simply enjoy the spectacular views of nature.
Visit to the Nabusimake Indigenous Village: This is the spiritual center of the Arhuaco community. Although it is not always open to tourists, they sometimes organize guided tours. During the tour, you will learn about the traditions and customs of this ancestral community.
Hiking: If you prefer a more physical activity, you can opt for short walks that allow you to enjoy the biodiversity of the region, from exotic birds to unique plant species.
Mid-afternoon: Relax at a local café
After an afternoon full of activities, take a break at one of the city's cozy cafes. Coffee culture is present in Valledupar, and you can enjoy a cup while reflecting on the day's experiences.
Recommended Coffee: La Casa del Café is known for offering varieties of coffee grown in the region, as well as local desserts such as guava jam and tamarind snacks.
Night: Enjoy a Vallenato Party
Your visit to Valledupar would not be complete without experiencing a parranda vallenata. This is an event where friends gather to sing, dance and celebrate to the rhythm of vallenato. It is a perfect opportunity to interact with the locals and experience the joy that characterizes vallenatos.
Suggested location: Many bars and restaurants host vallenato parrandas, but if you're lucky, you might be invited to a private parranda, which is a much more authentic experience.
Featured Musicians: Make sure to listen to songs by Carlos Vives, Diomedes Díaz or Jorge Celedón, who have brought vallenato to international stages.
Closing of the Day: Night walk through the city
Before you say goodbye to Valledupar, take an evening stroll through the Parque de la Provincia. This open space is ideal for enjoying a peaceful atmosphere and stargazing. It is a popular place among locals to relax at the end of the day.
Park attractions: Illuminated fountains, sculptures alluding to vallenato music and green areas.
Valledupar is a city that perfectly combines nature, history and culture. In just one day, you can experience the essence of this magical land: from its rivers and mountains to its music and gastronomy. Although one day may seem like a short time, this itinerary will allow you to take home an unforgettable memory of the world capital of vallenato. Don't forget to bring an Arhuaca backpack as a souvenir of your visit, a symbol of the art and indigenous tradition of this region.