Colombiafrank’s Turbo Colombia Travel Guide

Updated on 03/13/2024

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 useful Colombia travel guide.

Tourist attractions activities in Turbo

Some of the main activities in Turbo are:

The beaches of La Martina and Playa Dulce

Both beaches are famous for their calm waters and relaxed atmosphere.

Los Katios National Park

The park covers an area of approximately 720 square kilometers and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including unique and endangered species.

It can be reached from Turbo by taxi or private vehicle. The journey takes 2-3 hours on a bumpy gravel road.

Upon arrival at the park, a number of activities are open to you, e.g. B. hike through the lush rainforest, watch birds and visit the many rivers and waterfalls. Visitors can also learn about the park’s indigenous communities and their traditional way of life and culture.

It should be noted that the park is quite remote and has few facilities. Visitors should therefore take everything they need with them, e.g. B. Food, water and camping gear if staying overnight. It is also important to respect all park rules and regulations such as: B. Not to disturb wildlife or damage or contaminate the environment.

Mud volcanoes at Turbo

Mud volcanoes are geological formations formed when naturally pressurized gases, minerals and water combine to form a mixture of mud and gas and erupt from the ground. There are several mud volcanoes near Turbo, in the Antioquia department of Colombia, including the famous Totumo mud volcano.

On the road that goes from Turbo to Necoclí (1-hour drive) are the mud volcanoes of San Carlos and Virgen del Cobre. Access is on foot from the main road, approximately 30 minutes.

Inside the mud volcanoes, you can relax in the mud, which is said to have medicinal properties for treating skin diseases and joint pain.

Discover local agriculture and fishing

Turbo is known for tropical fruit growing and a thriving fishing industry. Visitors can tour local plantations, learn about harvesting and processing the fruit, or go fishing with a local guide.

Get to know the cultural heritage of the city

Turbo is a city with a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can explore its history by visiting the Casa de la Cultura Hernando Delgado Orrego. The center houses a small museum showing the history and traditions of the Turbo region.

In addition to the cultural activities, the Casa de la Cultura also offers educational programs for children and young people, such as B. Music, dance and art classes.

Events in Turbo

Here are some of the most important events in Turbo:

Festival del Dulce en Semana Santa (Easter Sweets Festival)

For several years, on the Easter holidays at noon in Gonzalo Meja Park, there has been a gastronomic demonstration of provocative traditional sweets that reflect the originality of Afro-Colombian culture in the kitchens of the Turbo families.

From 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., organized groups of women show and sell the traditional sweets. These “secret recipes” smell like papaya, ripe banana, pineapple, mongomongo, coconut, milk and other fruits and vegetables.

Day of Antioquia

On August 11th, Turbo residents celebrate Antioquia’s Independence Day. The silleteritos parade through the main streets. The preschoolers carry on their backs the custom of the muleteers who populated the Urabá region.

Antioquia Caribbean Carnival

From November 1st to 11th, Turbo traditionally celebrates Cartagena’s independence on November 11th as the main festival of the year, a tradition inherited from that country’s colonizers.

The Antioquian Caribbean Carnival revolves around the folk beauty pageant that has been held year after year since 1945 when Clobis Yabur was crowned Miss Turbo.

All districts, hamlets and villages are organized around this competition. One purpose was to fund community works such as road repairs, the hospital, cemetery, and parks. In the past, it wasn’t the queen with the most physical attributes who won, but the one who raised the most money for those works.

Why visit Turbo?

Turbo has a history dating back to colonial times. The city played an important role in the country’s economic development, particularly in agriculture and fisheries. Due to its location on the Caribbean Sea, the city became an important trading port.

Turbo offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy Colombia’s natural beauty with its stunning beaches and lush tropical forests. The city also has a diverse cultural heritage with African, indigenous and European elements.

In my opinion, Turbo is an ideal destination for travelers who want to experience a different Colombia than the typical tourist spots. The mixture of history, culture and nature is really fascinating. The friendliness and hospitality of the locals make the experience even better.

Best travel time for Turbo

I recommend visiting Turbo especially during Holy Week, when the Festival del Dulce takes place alongside the Christian commemorations.

I also recommend visiting Turbo in August. August 11 is Antioquian Day and August 28 is the birthday of the community.

Turbo history

Turbo is a municipality in the department of Antioquia with an estimated population of 135,000.

Located on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, Turbo has a tropical climate with heavy rainfall throughout the year. Founded in 1840, the city is famous for its production of tropical fruits such as bananas and plantains, which play an important role in the economy.

Fishing is also an important industry in Turbo, with many residents engaged in commercial and artisanal fishing.

In addition, tourism is becoming increasingly important as the region’s natural beauty and cultural attractions attract visitors.

Typical food in Turbo

Turbo is known for its varied and delicious cuisine influenced by its coastal location and tropical climate. Here are some typical dishes:

Fried fish

Turbo is a coastal town with a thriving fishing industry. So, it is not surprising that fried fish is a popular dish. The fish is usually seasoned with garlic and salt and served with coconut rice and patacones.

Ceviche

This dish is made from raw fish marinated in lime juice, cilantro, onions and other spices.

Bananas and plantains

Turbo is one of the main producers of bananas and plantains in Colombia. Visitors shouldn’t miss out on trying these delicious fruits in different forms such as: B. fried, boiled or baked.

Where to stay in Turbo?

Hotel Solaris

Carrera 14 #100-94

CLICK HERE TO GET BEST RATES FOR HOTEL SOLARIS

The rooms in the Hotel Solaris have flat screen TVs, air conditioning and some have a seating area.

Bambu Cabaña Campestre

Carrera 1 / La Playa Calle 115-06-60

CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST RATES FOR BAMBU CABANA CAMPESTRE

It offers free WiFi, a garden, a terrace and a bar.

How to get to Turbo

Turbo is easy to reach:

By air

The nearest airport to Turbo is Antonio Roldán Betancur Airport, also known as Carepa Airport, and is about an hour away. This airport offers domestic flights to and from destinations such as Medellín and Quibdó. Visitors can take a taxi to get to the Turbo from the airport.

Another option with more frequent flights is Medellín’s Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport, which is about a two-hour drive away. The airlines that offer connections are as follows:

By bus

Turbo can also be reached by bus from major cities such as Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena. The journey from Bogotá to Turbo takes about 14 hours and buses depart from the Salitre bus terminal or the Terminal de Transportes del Norte.

The journey from Medellín takes about 4-5 hours, buses depart from Terminal del Sur. The easiest way to buy tickets is via Pinbus.

Turbo local transport

On foot

This is the best way to explore the city, especially if you want to stay in the center. Many of the city’s attractions and restaurants are within walking distance.

Taxis

Taxis are a convenient form of transportation within the city, especially when you need to travel to destinations outside the city center.

Motorcycle taxis

Motorbike taxis are a common mode of transportation in Turbo, especially for short distances. These are motorcycle taxis, which are usually cheaper than regular 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!

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