Colombiafrank’s Sincelejo Colombia Travel Guide

June 24, 2023

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 Sincelejo?

Sincelejo is a Colombian city that offers a variety of attractions to its visitors. It is an ideal destination for those who want to learn about the culture and gastronomy of the Caribbean, as well as enjoy the warm climate and festive atmosphere. In addition, Sincelejo is strategically located so that other interesting places such as the beaches of Tolú and Coveñas, the Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo National Park or the historic city of Cartagena can be easily reached.

Facts about Sincelejo

Sincelejo is the capital of the Sucre department in northern Colombia and has around 280,000 inhabitants. The city is located about 50 km (31 miles) from the Caribbean coast at an altitude of 213 meters above sea level and has a tropical climate with an average temperature of about 28°C and a rainy season from May to November.

Sincelejo was founded on October 4, 1535 and today its economy is mainly based on agriculture, livestock, fishing and trade. Cotton, rice and corn are some of the main crops in the region, and the city also has a growing service sector and some manufacturing industries such as textiles, footwear and food processing.

The main attractions of Sincelejo

Sincelejo offers its visitors a variety of attractions:

Plaza de Majagual

One of the most representative squares in Sincelejo is Plaza de Majagual, a public square that hosts various cultural and artistic events related to Sucre folklore. In this square you can admire the Guacari, an emblematic tree of the city that gives its name to the Guacari commercial area, one of the most modern and lively shopping centers in the area.

Santander Park

Another park is Santander Park, located in the historical center of the city. There you can admire the San Francisco Cathedral, a beautiful 19th-century neoclassical building classified as a departmental heritage site. In the restaurants and cafes that surround the park you can enjoy the typical gastronomy of the region.

Archaeological Museum Zenú Manuel Huertas

If you like museums, we recommend the Manuel Huertas Zenú Archaeological Museum, where you can learn more about the indigenous culture that inhabited this area before the arrival of the Spaniards. The museum houses a collection of pottery, gold and silverwork, and textiles that showcase the richness and diversity of this civilization.

Tourist attractions and activities in Sincelejo

Here are some of the activities you can do in Sincelejo:

Visit the Parque Comercial Guacarí, a modern shopping center with a variety of shopping and entertainment options. Here you will find everything from well-known brands to local handicrafts, as well as restaurants, cinemas and a guacari (a typical tree of the region) that gives the place a natural touch.
Admire the San Francisco Cathedral, a beautiful and welcoming church that sits right next to the city’s main park. Its architecture combines neoclassical and colonial elements, and inside you can admire religious works of art and pray in peace.
Read a book or have a coffee at Librería Café Boscán, a cozy and cultural café that sells a wide range of books and offers many reading-related activities. Here you will find everything from classics to new literary releases and you can attend workshops, book clubs, book launches and other events that will introduce you to the world of letters.
Go on an adventure at Paintball Sincelejo, a gaming and entertainment center that challenges you to play as if you were in the military. In a field full of obstacles and thematic scenarios, you can shoot paintballs at your opponents and dodge their attacks. This is an ideal activity to relieve stress and have fun in a group.

Best time to visit Sincelejo

The best time to visit Sincelejo is between December and March, when the weather is drier and milder and some of the region’s most popular festivals take place, such as the Corozal Carnival and the National Porro Festival.

These events are a unique opportunity to experience the music, dance and joy of the local people. Also, during this period, visitors can enjoy the nearby beaches of Coveñas and Tolú, which offer scenic scenery and water sports.

Events in Sincelejo

Sincelejo hosts a variety of events throughout the year:

The celebrations of January 20th

They are Sincelejo’s national heritage and are celebrated in honor of the patron saint, San Francisco de Asis. On these days, the city fills with color and music and the traditional Corralejas, a popular bullfighting spectacle where spectators face the bulls on an enclosed stage. There are also parades, concerts, dances and craft fairs. Corralejas have their origins in colonial times and are an expression of Spanish and Creole culture.

The National Porro Festival

This musical event, held in June, brings together the best exponents of the porro, a rhythm typical of the Caribbean, characterized by the use of wind instruments. The festival takes place in the municipality of San Pelayo, 30 minutes from Sincelejo, and offers competitions, folklore performances, exhibitions and cultural activities.

The National Fandango Festival

Another musical event in November that pays homage to the fandango, a traditional dance to the sound of bagpipes and drums. The festival takes place in the municipality of Ovejas, 40 minutes from Sincelejo, and offers artistic performances, workshops, conferences and spaces for cultural exchange.

The holidays

Sincelejo has its own local holidays such as 4 October (anniversary of Sincelejo’s founding) and 18 November (Sucre Department Day).

Nightlife in Sincelejo

Here are some clubs for nightlife in Sincelejo.

Frida

At Frida Bar you can enjoy a variety of drinks and Mexican-style tapas. The atmosphere is lively and fun, with live music on the weekends and a decoration inspired by the famous painter Frida Kahlo.

Cafe La 14

A bar and restaurant in downtown Sincelejo, near the San Francisco Cathedral. It offers a wide range of food and drinks, as well as live music and a pleasant atmosphere. It’s an ideal place to party with friends and explore the city’s alternative culture.

McGregor’s Resto Pub

Located in the center of Sincelejo, it offers a variety of national and international dishes, as well as craft beers and cocktails. The atmosphere is relaxed and lively, with live music and special events.

Typical food in Sincelejo

Sincelejo offers a variety of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. Here are some of the best and most famous restaurants in Sincelejo:

CDM SINCELEJO – Café Cervezas Cocteles y comida del mundo

CDM offers a varied menu that includes Latin American, Italian, Arabic, Mexican and other dishes. It also stands out for its craft beers and cocktails.

Arcano’s Bar Restaurant

The Arcanos Bar Restaurant is an excellent choice to enjoy high quality international cuisine, with dishes such as sushi, ceviche, risotto, hamburgers and more. There is also an extensive drinks menu with wines, spirits, beers and cocktails.

Llanera la 31

If you want to taste the typical dishes of the region, you’ve come to the right place. Here you can taste delicious grilled meats such as churrasco, punta de anca, ribs and much more. There are also soups, salads, arepas and traditional side dishes. The taste is authentic and the price is right.

Siracha

This restaurant specializes in Peruvian cuisine, especially seafood. Here you can find dishes like ceviche, arroz chaufa, lomo saltado, pescado a lo macho and much more. There are also vegetarian and vegan options.

Matte cafe

Matte Café is the perfect place for a coffee and something sweet, for breakfast or lunch. There is a variety of coffee specialties, infusions, natural juices and smoothies. There are also sandwiches, wraps, salads and crepes. The atmosphere is calm and pleasant.

Basan kitchen al disco

This restaurant offers an innovative and creative proposal based on “al disco” cuisine. Here you will find dishes such as chicken curry, red wine steak, garlic prawns and much more.

La Cajita 1986 Bistro – Cafe

This is a cozy and ideal place to eat with a group of friends or family. Homemade and healthy dishes such as salads, pasta, meat and fish are offered. There are also sweet options like cakes, brownies, and ice cream.

Restaurant Bar El Corral

The Bar El Corral is one of the most well-known bars in the city and has been offering quality Caribbean dishes for more than 30 years. There are dishes like sancocho de gallina, mondongo, mote de queso and much more. There are also grilled dishes, seafood and fast food.

Accommodation in Sincelejo

Complete your trip with a few days in the best areas of Sincelejo, such as Plaza de Majagual or the city center.
We have the perfect recommendations in our blog The best Hotels in Sincelejo.

How to get to Sincelejo?

There are several ways to get to Sincelejo from Bogotá, the capital of Colombia.

By plane

The first option is to travel by plane. This is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Sincelejo.

Also note that there are no direct flights to Sincelejo. To travel to Sincelejo, one must fly to Montería, Tolú, Cartagena or Barranquilla and then take a bus or taxi to Sincelejo. The closest airports to Sincelejo are Los Garzones Airport in Montería (90 km/56 miles away) and Golfo de Morrosquillo Airport in Tolú (40 km/25 miles away).

The airlines that offer connections are as follows:

By bus

The second option is to travel by bus. Fares range from 100,000 (US$20) to 150,000 (US$35) Colombian pesos, depending on the company and service from Bogota.

The average travel time is 16 hours. Some of the companies that offer this service are Expreso Brasilia, Copetran and Rápido Ochoa.

The easiest way to buy tickets is via Pinbus.

By car

The third option is to come by car. This is an alternative between the plane and the bus, as it allows you to travel more flexibly and comfortably, enjoying the scenery and stopping along the way.

Estimated driving time is around 13 hours following the Ruta del Sol.

The following companies rent cars in Colombia:

hertz
advice
ABC

How to move in Sincelejo?

There are several ways to get around the streets of Sincelejo:

Moto taxi

The most common mode of transport in Sincelejo is the mototaxi, popular for its speed and accessibility, although it is also considered a risky mode of transport due to the lack of safety and regulation. The price of the service varies depending on negotiation with the driver and is generally cheaper than the price of a taxi.

Taxi

There is a large fleet of city taxis offering cheap and fast service. You can take a taxi on the street, by phone or via mobile apps. Taxi fares depend on distance and time of day, but generally range from 6,000 (US$1.3) to 10,000 (US$2) Colombian pesos.

Microbuses

These are small buses that circulate on the main streets of the city, connecting the center with the different neighborhoods. The minibus has a fixed price of around 2,000 Colombian pesos ($0.5 USD) and you can board at any of the posted stops or by waving to the driver.

Colombia Travel Guides

If you are interested in getting more information about Colombian destinations, I have good news because we have some travel guides for you:

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!