Colombiafrank’s Cucuta Colombia Travel Guide

Updated on 03/14/2024

Dear readers
My name is Frank and I run a tour operator in Bogota, specializing in custom-made and Colombia luxury travel.
At the end of this guide you will find a list of many other helpful travel guides for Colombia.

Why visit Cucuta?

Cúcuta is worth visiting for its cultural, historical and natural wealth. The city is ideal for visitors who want to know the reality of the border area between Colombia and Venezuela, enjoying the gastronomy, the music and the people.

Cúcuta has attractions such as Santander Park, the Monument to the Battle of Cúcuta and the Simon Bolivar International Bridge. In my opinion, Cúcuta is a city that offers a unique and different experience for travelers who want to get off the beaten track and get to know the diversity of this region.

Facts about Cucuta

Cúcuta is the capital of the department of Norte de Santander, in north-eastern Colombia. It has about 765,000 inhabitants and is close to the border with Venezuela. The city was founded on June 17, 1733 and has since developed into an important economic center in the region.

Cucuta has a tropical savannah climate with year-round warm temperatures and two rainy seasons. The average temperature is 27° C, which makes the city a popular destination for tourists looking for a warm climate.

Also, due to its location near the Venezuelan border, Cucuta is an important trading center with goods coming and going on a daily basis.

Tourist sights and activities in Cucuta

Below are some of the top things to see and do in Cúcuta to help you get the most out of your trip:

Santander Park

One of the most iconic places in Cúcuta is Santander Park, where the Casa de la Bagatela is located, the place where Colombia’s first constitution was signed in 1821. Here you can admire the colonial architecture and learn about the history of the country. You can also visit the Monument to the Battle of Cúcuta, which commemorates the victory of independence forces led by Simón Bolívar over the Spanish in 1819.

Tama National Park

Tamá National Park is located in Venezuela and is part of the Andes. It covers an area of 48,000 hectares and is an ideal place for nature lovers, as it is home to a great variety of flora and fauna and spectacular scenery.

You can take a bus or a private car to visit. The journey takes about 3 hours and the route is as follows:

Cúcuta – Chinacota – Ragonvalia – Herrán.
From Herrán, take a minibus or a motorbike to the village of San Faustino, where the park entrance is located.

Park entry prices vary depending on the time of year and the type of visitor. Adults pay between 18,000 and 24,000 Colombian pesos, children between 9,000 and 12,000 pesos and students between 14,000 and 18,000 pesos. Foreigners pay a one-time fee of 53,500 pesos (US$12).

The climate in the park is mild and humid, with an average temperature of 18°C. It is recommended to wear comfortable, warm and waterproof clothing and shoes suitable for hiking the trails.

In the park, you can engage in various activities such as hiking, bird watching, photography, camping, and environmental education.

Museums in Cucuta

For culture lovers, there are several interesting museums in Cúcuta, such as the Museo Histórico de Cúcuta, which exhibits objects and documents related to Colombia’s independence, the Museo Casa Natal del General Santander, which shows the life and work of the Cúcuteño hero, and the Museo Casa Anzoátegui that has the atmosphere of a typical 19th century house.

Best time to visit Cucuta

The best time to visit Cúcuta is between December and March when the weather is dry and sunny. During this period, you can enjoy the various tourist attractions of the city, such as Parque Santander and the Monumento a la Batalla de Cúcuta (Monument to the Battle of Cúcuta). You can also use the proximity to Venezuela to get to know the culture and gastronomy of the neighboring country.

Events in Cucuta

Cúcuta is characterized by its cultural and social dynamism. Various events are held throughout the year that attract residents and visitors. Some of the most outstanding are:

The Cucuta Fair

The fair is held in July to commemorate the founding of the city. It is a commercial, industrial, craft and gastronomic exhibition that brings together the production areas of the region. There are also cultural, sporting and musical events.

Gastronomic Festival De Gustar

From March 10th to 12th you can taste the typical dishes of the region and meet the best chefs in the region. The event takes place in Santander Park and offers live music and activities for the whole family.

Birthday of the Municipality – June 17

Cúcuta celebrates its birthday with a big fair in the historic center. The city’s anniversary is celebrated with parades, concerts, exhibitions and fireworks.

Historical commemoration of the Battle of Cucuta

The last Sunday of February commemorates the victory of patriotic troops over the Spanish at the Battle of Cucuta in 1813. Civil events, flower donations and theatrical performances take place at the Monumento a la Victoria.

Nightlife in Cucuta

Cúcuta offers a variety of ways to have fun:

La Comarca Rock

If you’re into rock music, you’ve come to the right place. La Comarcka Rock is a café bar that offers live music, special events and a cozy atmosphere. Here you can enjoy the best national and international rock hits, but also a food and drink menu for all tastes.

COCO LOCO

If you prefer cocktails, you should definitely go to COCOLOCO, a bar that has been serving the best cocktails in Cúcuta for more than 20 years. Here you can choose from a variety of flavors and different combinations, as well as enjoy excellent service and a cheerful atmosphere.

Bacanal Bar

If pizza and beer are your thing, then don’t miss the Bacanal Bar. Here you can find delicious handmade pizzas and a wide selection of national and imported beers. There is also live music, karaoke and theme nights.

Typical food in Cucuta

We present you the most emblematic and delicious places in the city, where you can enjoy a variety of gastronomic options:

Typical food

If you want to taste the traditional dishes of Cucuta cuisine, don’t miss the La Casona restaurant in the historic center of the city. There you can taste the santandereano mute, the roast kid, the tamal nortesantandandereano and the dulce de leche cortada, among others. The atmosphere is cozy and familiar, and the prices are reasonable.

Fast food

If you’re looking for something quick and cheap, we recommend the El Corralito hamburger stand in Santander Park. Here you can enjoy juicy, well-served hamburgers with fries and a soft drink. Hot dogs, sausages and chorizos are also available. It is an ideal place to visit with friends or family.

Restaurant chains

If you prefer something more formal and varied, you can opt for one of the chain restaurants in Cúcuta. For example, you can go to the Crepes & Waffles restaurant, which specializes in sweet and savory crepes, salads, ice cream and natural juices. You can find it in the Ventura Plaza shopping mall.

For vegans

If you are vegan or want to try something different, we recommend Restaurante Inka, which specializes in vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Accommodation in Cucuta

If you’re looking for hotels in Cúcuta, consider staying near the Ventura Plaza Shopping Center. This area is known for its safety and convenience, offering easy access to shops, restaurants, and entertainment.

How to get to Cucuta

There are several transportation options from Bogotá to Cúcuta.

By plane

One of the most popular is to travel by plane, as there are several direct flights between the two cities every day. Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport is served by several airlines, including Avianca and LATAM.

By land

Another option is to travel overland, either by bus or by car. There are several bus companies that offer connections from Bogotá to Cúcuta, with different schedules and prices. The bus ride can take around 8-10 hours depending on road and traffic conditions. The easiest way to buy tickets is via Pinbus.

It is also possible to rent a car and drive from Bogotá to Cúcuta. The distance between the two cities is approximately 555 km (344 miles) and the journey can take approximately 8 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

The following companies rent cars in Colombia:

Hertz
Avis
ABC

How to get around in Cúcuta?

When visiting Cucuta, it’s important that you know what transportation options you have to get around the city.

Bus: The bus is the cheapest and most popular means of transport. There are several routes covering different sectors of the city. The fare ranges from 1,800 to 2,000 Colombian pesos ($0.4).
Taxi: This is the most convenient and fastest option. You can stop it on the street or order it by phone or mobile apps. Cost depends on distance and time of day, but is a minimum of 7,000 Colombian pesos (US$1.5).
Motorbike: This is the most common and fastest means of transport. The price varies by time and location, but can range from 2,000 to 20,000 Colombian pesos ($0.42 – $4.25).
Bicycle: This is the most ecological and healthiest means of transport. There is a network of bike lanes connecting some parts of the city.

Colombia Travel Guides

Here you will find travel guides for the most popular regions in Colombia, which we have put together during our extensive travels around the country.

Travel Guides to Colombia’s Small Towns

Here you will find travel guides for less popular destinations in Colombia. Some of these destinations are even real insider tips and not even known to the Colombians as travel destinations.

About Author

Frank

Hello! I'm Frank Spitzer, the founder and the heart behind Pelecanus, a specialized tour operator for Colombia travel. My journey in travel is vast and rich – I've explored over 60 countries, absorbing cultures, experiences, and stories along the way. Since 2017, I've been channeling this wealth of global experience into creating unforgettable travel experiences in Colombia. I'm recognized as a leading authority in Colombian tourism, with a deep-seated passion for sharing this beautiful country with the world. You can catch glimpses of my travel adventures and insights around Colombia on my YouTube channel. I'm also active on social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, where I share the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Colombia. For professional networking, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. Join me on this incredible journey, and let's explore the wonders of Colombia together!

youtube Facebook Instagram Pinterest Tiktok