Colombiafrank’s Magangue Colombia Travel Guide

Last updated on March 12, 2024

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My name is Frank and I run a tour operator in Bogota, specializing in custom-made and Colombia luxury travel.

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Content

Why visit Magangue?

Because of its location at the mouth of the Magdalena River, Magangué has long been an important trading and fishing center. A tour of the city is a great way to see the colonial architecture and discover the importance of Magangué in Colombian history.

Magangué is an interesting place to get to know the people and culture of the Colombian Caribbean.

History of Magangue

Magangué is a city in the Caribbean region of Colombia, in the south of the department of Bolívar, with around 152,000 inhabitants. Magangué was founded on April 10, 1610 and is located at an altitude of about 2 meters above sea level.

The climate in Magangué is tropical-humid with average temperatures of around 28° C. The last time I was in the area, it was definitely too hot and humid for me. The main industries in Magangué are fishing, agriculture, trade and livestock. Although not a capital, Magangué is experiencing a surge in tourism due to its location on the banks of the Magdalena River.

Main attractions and activities

Some of the main tourist activities in Magangue are:

Cathedral of Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria

The Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria is one of the main attractions of Magangué. Built in 1846, it is the largest and most representative church in the city. The Cathedral is an example of the colonial architecture of the Caribbean region of Colombia and is considered one of the most emblematic structures in the city.

The facade of the cathedral features an impressive neoclassical arch and a baroque bell tower. Inside the cathedral is a high altar carved from wood in the Baroque style.

Santander Park

A central square in the heart of the historic center. The park is a place of great importance for Magangue and is considered one of the symbols of the city.

It owes its name to the Colombian independence hero Francisco de Paula Santander. In the center of the park stands a bronze statue of Santander, unveiled in 1911 to commemorate the country’s centenary of independence.

In the park, visitors will find benches and green areas where they can rest and enjoy the calm and relaxing atmosphere of the square.

Historical walk in Magangue

During the tour you can visit churches, squares and monuments that tell the history of the city and of Colombia. Also, on the program is the Casa de la Cultura, a 19th-century building.

Best time to visit Magangue

The best time to visit Magangue is in January. This is the dry season and the weather is ideal for visiting the city. Also, at the end of January, the city celebrates the festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria, the patron saint of Magangué.

During the festival, the town hosts parades, artistic performances and other cultural events, including the election of the festival queen.

Typical food in Magangue

The typical cuisine of Magangué is similar to that of the entire Magdalena Medio region. Here are some of the typical dishes to try when you visit the city:

Sancocho de pescado (fish soup)

This is one of the most popular dishes in the region. It is prepared with fresh fish, green plantains, yucca, cilantro and other vegetables. It is served with rice and avocado.

Coconut rice

This dish is prepared with rice and coconut flakes. It is served as an accompaniment to other dishes.

Mote de queso

The main ingredient is sweet potato and the preparation includes cheese cut into squares, garlic, onion and lime juice.

Fried fish

Fried fish is very popular in the region. The fresh fish is fried in hot oil. It is served with rice, fried ripe plantains and salad.

Accommodation in Magangue

Hotel Dona Ana

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The rooms at the hotel are equipped with a seating area, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries and a spa bathtub.

Terra Tuscany Hotel

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Hotel Terra Toscana offers a garden, terrace, restaurant and bar. Room service, 24-hour reception. Free WiFi is available throughout the building.

How to get to Magangue

Magangué does not have its own airport, but there are several transportation options to reach the city from Bogotá or other nearby cities.

Flights

The closest airport to Magangué is Cartagena’s Rafael Núñez International Airport, which is approximately 3.5 hours’ drive away.

The airlines that offer connections are as follows:

Land transport

You can also reach Magangue by renting a car in a nearby city or by bus. Estimated driving time from Bogotá is approximately 18 hours. The following companies rent cars in Colombia:

Hertz
Avis
ABC

How to get around in Magangue

As distances are generally short in Magangué, the most common modes of transport are taxis and motorbike taxis.

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!