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Girardot is often mentioned as a great weekend getaway from Bogotá. It turned out to be one of the most run-down and disgusting places I’ve visited in Colombia.

Why is it so popular? Located only two hours from the Colombian capital city, it has hot weather, waterparks, and hotels with pools to help them escape the cool weather of Bogotá. That’s it. No culture. No must-see places in town. Just pools.

 

Oasis de la Colina

We broke up a drive from Boyacá to Pereira with an overnight in Girardot and couldn’t wait to leave. The best part about our stay was the hospitality of our hosts at our hotel, Oasis de la Colina. It has two pools, an on-site restaurant with decent food, and is located in a quiet residential area.

Hotel Oasis de la Colina in Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Hotel Oasis de la Colina
Hotel Oasis de la Colina in Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Hotel Oasis de la Colina

The hotel was overpriced, which we found to be the norm in Girardot. Our room was simple and somewhat comfortable other than the window that faced the hallway and the noise from the pool area.

Hotel Oasis de la Colina in Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Hotel Oasis de la Colina

 

Parque Bolívar

The next morning, we decided to explore the city before heading back home. We started at Parque Bolívar, which has the most beautiful building in town located on one corner, Hotel Unión. It’s a renovated social club that was converted into a luxury hotel.

Parque Bolívar in Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Parque Bolívar
Parque Bolívar in Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Parque Bolívar
Parque Bolívar in Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Monument in Parque Bolívar
Hotel Unión in Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Hotel Unión

Also on Parque Bolívar is one of the ugliest buildings in town, the cathedral. This brick and concrete monstrosity was built between 1956 and 1970. It’s a little better on the inside.

Catedral in Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Girardot Cathedral
Catedral in Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Girardot Cathedral

 

Locomotive Park

A short walk away is Locomotive Park (Parque de la Locomotora), which contains an old locomotive and the Old Railway Station (Antigua Estación del Ferrocarril). The building now serves as a cultural center but was closed when we walked by.

Locomotive in Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Locomotive
Antigua Estación del Ferrocarril in Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Old Railway Station

You can walk across the Magdalena River on the former railroad bridge. It crosses the river into the neighboring town of Flandes.

Railroad bridge in Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Railroad bridge

 

Embarcadero

At the embarcadero (pier), you’ll find nice views of the railroad bridge and the river. If you’re feeling hungry, there’s a restaurant on a riverboat and a riverside bar as well. I can’t vouch for either of them.

Railroad bridge in Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Railroad bridge
Río Magdalena in Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Río Magdalena

A nicely painted abandoned building overlooking the river now serves as a parking garage. There’s also a statue of an indigenous man on a raft.

Embarcadero in Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Embarcadero
Abandoned building in Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Abandoned building
Indigenous statue in Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Indigenous statue

 

Getting There

If you REALLY feel the need to visit Girardot, you can get there on a bus from Bogotá. Buses from Pereira, Armenia, and Cali heading to Bogotá will also pass through town.

Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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