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