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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.
Introduction to Girardot
Why is Girardot so popular? Located only two hours from the Colombian capital city, it has hot weather, waterparks, and hotels with pools to help escape the cool weather of Bogotá. That’s it. No culture. No must-see places in town. Just pools.
Girardot was originally inhabited by the indigenous Panche people. The city was founded on October 9, 1852, on land donated by Ramón Bueno and José Triana. It’s named in honor of General Atanasio Girardot (1791-1813), a hero of Colombian independence.
The city thrived in the late 19th and early 20th century as an important port on the Magdalena River. When river transportation declined, it became a strategic point on the railroad between the Pacific coast and Bogotá. Also, the first flight in Colombian history took place between Barranquilla and Girardot on October 19, 1920. The pilot was Helmuth van Krohn flying for what is today Avianca.
Girardot suffered an economic downturn after the end of railway activities and has since reinvented itself as a tourist destination.
Getting to Girardot
If you REALLY feel the need to visit Girardot, you can take a bus from Bogotá. Buses from Pereira, Armenia, and Cali heading to Bogotá also pass through town.
Where to Stay in Girardot
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
Oasis de la Colina is located in a quiet residential area. It has two pools and an on-site restaurant with decent food. Our room was simple and somewhat comfortable, other than the window that faced the hallway and the noise from the pool area. The hotel was overpriced, which we found to be the norm in Girardot.
Parque Bolívar
We started exploring the city at Parque Bolívar, which is the main square in the heart of Girardot. It was originally called Parque Sucre after Antonio José de Sucre (1795-1830), a hero of the Spanish American wars of independence. The name changed in 1970 to honor Simón Bolívar (1783-1830). Some of the most important buildings in the city surround the square. There are also plenty of trees and places to sit.
Hotel Unión
The most beautiful building in town, Hotel Unión, sits on one corner of the square. It was built in 1934 by Francisco Manzanera Henríquez and was the most important social club in Girardot. Today, it serves as a luxury hotel.
Cathedral of Girardot
Also on Parque Bolívar is one of the ugliest buildings in town, the Cathedral of Girardot. This brick and concrete monstrosity was built between 1956 and 1970. It’s a little better on the inside. The cathedral is officially dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Inmaculado Corazón de María).
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 station operated from 1910 to 1970.
Railroad Bridge
You can walk across the Magdalena River on the former railroad bridge, which opened in 1930. The neighboring town of Flandes is on the other side.
Embarcadero
Finally, at the Embarcadero, you’ll find nice views of the railroad bridge and the Magdalena 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.
An attractive abandoned building overlooking the river now serves as a parking garage. A statue of an indigenous man on a raft decorates the intersection.
