2026 Colombia Trip

Celebrate 60 Years of Friendship

Tampa & Barranquilla | May 9 – May 18

In 1966, Tampa and Barranquilla officially became Sister Cities — beginning a relationship built on cultural exchange, business collaboration, education, and lifelong friendships.

In May 2026, we invite you to join us in Colombia as we celebrate 60 years of partnership with a special delegation trip to Barranquilla.

This once-in-a-generation anniversary journey will combine cultural experiences, historic milestones, official engagements, and unforgettable moments across one of Colombia’s most vibrant cities.

Why Join the 60th Anniversary Delegation?

This trip is more than tourism — it is a celebration of diplomacy, culture, and community.

  • Participants will have the opportunity to:
  • Strengthen ties between Tampa and Barranquilla
  • Engage in meaningful cultural and diplomatic experiences
  • Explore one of Colombia’s most vibrant cities
  • Travel stress-free with a fully curated, all-inclusive package
  • Connect with fellow Tampa business, civic, and community leaders

Whether you have been involved with Sister Cities for years or are exploring participation for the first time, this anniversary trip offers a meaningful and memorable way to be part of history.

The_Tampa_Tribune_1966_06_21_12
The Tampa Bay Tribune - June 6, 1966

Current Itinerary

Please note: The land tour agenda may evolve, particularly with participation from City Hall in Barranquilla.

May 9 – Arrival Day

Flights

Our journey begins in Tampa with international air service to Barranquilla via Miami.

May 9, 2026: Tampa (TPA) → Miami (MIA) | 9:05 AM – 10:20 AM
May 9, 2026: Miami (MIA) → Barranquilla (BAQ) | 12:22 PM – 2:25 PM

Agenda

  • Transfer from Barranquilla Airport to the hotel.
  • Hotel check-in.
  • Lunch at Restaurante Cucayo.
  • Return to the hotel for rest.
  • Welcome dinner at the hotel.

May 10

Agenda

  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Barranquilla City Tour – Pick-up at your hotel to begin a guided visit to the city's most iconic landmarks, including:
    • El Prado Neighborhood
    • Founders Park
    • Amira de la Rosa Theater
    • Carnival House
    • Former Customs Building (cultural epicenter with urban spaces and libraries)
    • Montoya Station
    • Railway Plaza
    • Window of Champions (Shark Fin Monument)
    • Gran Malecón on Avenida del Río (including the new Shakira monument)
    • Window of the World Monument
  • Return to the hotel.

May 11 - Carnival Cultural Experience

Agenda

  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Visit to the Carnival House of Barranquilla.
  • Guided explanation of the Barranquilla Carnival tradition (2–3 hour tour).

May 12 - Puerto Mocho Beach Excursion

Agenda

  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Pick-up at the hotel to begin excursion to Puerto Mocho Beach.
  • Scenic train ride experience.
  • Beachside lunch.
  • Return to the hotel.

May 13 - Departure

Agenda

  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Transfer from hotel to Barranquilla Airport for departure.

Travel

May 13, 2026: Barranquilla (BAQ) → Miami (MIA) | 1:40 PM – 5:40 PM
May 13, 2026: Miami (MIA) → Tampa (TPA) | 8:45 PM – 11:00 PM

Cultural & Historical Highlights:

  • El Prado District
  • Founders Park
  • Amira de la Rosa Theater
  • Carnival House Museum
  • Former Customs Building Cultural Complex
  • Montoya Station & Railroad Plaza
  • Window of Champions Monument
  • Gran Malecón Riverfront Promenade
  • Shakira Monument & Window of the World

Carnival Heritage Experience

A guided educational visit to the world-famous Barranquilla Carnival House provides insight into one of UNESCO’s Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Puerto Mocho Coastal Excursion

Enjoy a scenic train transfer to Puerto Mocho for a beachside lunch and coastal relaxation experience.

Accommodations

Delegates will stay at premier hotel (double occupancy):

Crowne Plaza Barranquilla

Torre Norte, Cra. 57 #99A - 65, Riomar,
Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia

What’s Included

Total Investment: $2,230 per person

This comprehensive package includes:

  • International and domestic airfare (Avianca Airlines)
  • Hotel accommodations (double occupancy)
  • Daily breakfast
  • Specified lunches and dinners
  • Guided cultural tours
  • Entrance fees
  • Private airport and ground transfers
  • English-speaking professional guides

All logistics are handled — allowing you to focus on connection, culture, and collaboration.

Be Part of History

Sixty years of partnership deserves to be celebrated in a meaningful way.

Join us in honoring the legacy of those who built this relationship — and help shape the next chapter of friendship between Tampa and Barranquilla.

Reserve Your Place

Space is limited for this official Tampa Sister Cities delegation.

If you are a business leader, civic official, educator, or community stakeholder interested in representing Tampa abroad while experiencing the richness of Colombia, we invite you to join us.

We look forward to celebrating this milestone together in Colombia.