Bucaramanga is known as “the pretty city of Colombia” for its scenic parks and landscapes.
Whether you want to enjoy the picturesque parks and natural beauty or take in local cultural attractions, Bucaramanga has plenty of things to do.
Here are just a few of the best things to see in this welcoming city:
Saint Pío Park
One of the most popular parks in Bucaramanga is Saint Pío Park, an urban green space that offers a tree-filled sanctuary in the middle of the city.
The park is a great place to people-watch or relax. The centerpiece of the park is a large bronze sculpture of a nude woman by renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero using his signature Boterísmo style—sweeping, exaggerated proportions.
Agua Park
For more green solace in the city, check out Agua Park, a nature reserve with waterfalls, ponds, fountains, and lush local flora and fauna, including different flowers and fish.
The park is a peaceful place to unwind and revel in nature. During the wintertime, the park has a popular lights display to celebrate the Christmas season.
Eloy Valenzuela Botanical Gardens
For colorful flora, check out the expansive Eloy Valenzuela Botanical Gardens, about 10 minutes south of Bucaramanga.
The vibrant botanical garden stretches across 19 acres (5,000 square meters) and has 3,500 species of native plants including orchids, palms, and mosses.
You can also relax by the lake, enjoy walking on trails, and see wildlife including squirrels, butterflies, ducks, and iguanas.
Museo De Arte Moderno De Bucaramanga
This modern art museum includes indoor exhibits with paintings, drawings, and other art as well as a beautiful outdoor sculpture garden with murals.
Parque Garcia Rovira
For a historic place to socialize or people-watch, head to Parque Garcia Rovira. The palm-lined park is a popular meeting spot.
The park’s namesake, José Custodio Cayetano García Rovira, was a soldier from Bucaramanga who is recognized as a martyr of the nation’s independence.
The sculpture in his honor and the park is centrally located next to government buildings such as the Santander Governorate and the Bucaramanga Mayor’s Office.
Parque Cerro Del Santísimo
See sweeping views of Bucaramanga and a massive statue of Jesus at Parque Cerro del Santísimo.
The unique park is in Floridablanca, an area bordering Bucaramanga. You can take a cable car up to the top of the hill and then climb to the top of Jesus’ head, which stands 131 feet (40 meters) high.
The Sagrada Familia Cathedral
In front of Parque Santander is the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, a historic religious structure that was constructed over almost a century (from 1770 to 1865).
The elegant building features two white towers and a yellow and green dome (the colors of the city’s flag), as well as stained-glass windows, a ceramic cupola brought from Mexico, and religious paintings by Luis Alberto Acuña and Oscar Rodríguez Naranjo.
Skybar
For some of the best views of Bucaramanga, head to Skybar, located on the top floor of the Holiday Inn Hotel Bucaramanga.
Sip some wine or dine on the rooftop against the bright backdrop of the city’s skyline. Also, a rooftop pool adds to the ambiance.
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