Unveiling Bucaramanga: My Guide for Single Digital Nomads and Slow Travelers

In 2024, I spent about two weeks in Bucaramanga and gained some insight into this place. Personally, I feel it’s quite nice:

Great Climate:

The climate in Bucaramanga is quite pleasant — warm and humid, warmer than Medellín but still within an acceptable range, and much better than Bogotá. It’s perfect for long-term living.

High Safety:

Relatively speaking, the safety here is quite good, which makes people feel secure.

Low Accommodation Costs:

The accommodation costs are relatively low, making it suitable for long-term residents on a budget.

Although there aren’t any particularly famous tourist attractions, if your goal is to save money, learn about Colombian culture, practice Spanish, or even make some friends, Bucaramanga is undoubtedly a great choice.

Since there are relatively few foreigners, it might not be as convenient for making friends from various backgrounds compared to big cities. However, from a living perspective, it’s very suitable for mid-term or short-term stays.

In this article, I will share my personal experiences and feelings about Bucaramanga, hoping to provide some useful references for those planning to travel or live here.

Arrival

Air Travel:

The main airport in Bucaramanga is Palonegro International Airport (BGA), which offers flights from major international cities. Common domestic flights include routes from Bogotá (BOG) and Medellín (MDE), while international flights usually require a layover in Bogotá.

Land Transport:

You can choose to take long-distance buses from other major Colombian cities like Bogotá and Medellín to Bucaramanga. The journey usually takes 6 to 8 hours, with bus companies like Expreso Brasilia and Coopetransa providing comfortable service.

Accommodation

Mid to Long-term Stay Locations (Community Choices):

Overall, Bucaramanga is not very big and is relatively safe, so where you stay doesn’t make much difference. I also stayed in the city center for a few days without any issues.

However, the following two places are more convenient for outings and dating:

• Cabecera del Llano: This is an upscale community in Bucaramanga, offering plenty of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. The area is quite safe and suitable for long-term living.

• Cañaveral: Known for its modern amenities and good transport connections, there are also many rental apartments available.

Accommodation Options:

• Airbnb Rentals: There are plenty of choices for long-term apartment rentals at reasonable prices, cheaper than Medellín, ranging from small studios to multi-bedroom apartments.

• Airbnb Shared Housing: You can choose to rent a shared apartment with other digital nomads or locals, making it a more economical option.

• Hostels: There are only a few, and their prices are not much better than single rooms on Airbnb. The locations are also a bit off, so they’re not highly recommended.

Dining

Colombian cuisine mainly consists of fried foods, but due to the proximity to Venezuela, you can often find Venezuelan specialties, like bean soup. You can also dine at restaurants or bars in Cabecera del Llano.

Overall, dining out is similarly priced to other major Colombian cities and isn’t particularly cheap. Fruits and vegetables are very inexpensive, and proteins mainly come from eggs and chicken. Beef prices are higher.

Transportation

Public Transport:

• Buses: Bucaramanga has an extensive bus network suitable for moving around the city. You can get route information through Google Maps or Moovit.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing:

• Ride-Sharing: Uber, DiDi, and Indrive are popular in Bucaramanga, making it easy to get around.

Electronic Payments

Cash is still the main payment method, but most supermarkets accept card payments, which may have a minimum spending limit, so it’s best to check beforehand. Starting in 2024, UnionPay cards can withdraw cash in Colombia, but currently, it’s only available at some banks in Bogotá.

Safety

From personal experience, Bucaramanga is a relatively safe city, and I don’t feel particularly afraid walking alone at night.

However, the towns north of the city (not in the city’s north) have been warned about multiple times by locals, mainly due to lower social standards, so it’s advisable to avoid that area.

Overall, just maintain basic safety awareness.

Shared Workspaces

Free WiFi is available in large shopping malls or supermarkets, which is suitable for studying and working. There’s no need to go specifically to cafes or paid co-working spaces.

Fitness

Although it’s said there are 150 parks, I didn’t find good fitness facilities in the city center; I only found some pull-up bars at Parque de los Niños, which are generally poorly maintained.

Attractions

Bucaramanga doesn’t have many attractions and is more suited for ordinary living.

Must-Do Activities in Bucaramanga:

1. Visit Sagrada Familia Cathedral

This historic church is one of Bucaramanga’s landmarks, allowing you to experience its religious atmosphere and architectural beauty.

2. Relax at Parque del Agua

This park is suitable for walking, jogging, and enjoying outdoor activities, providing green spaces and fitness facilities. However, when I visited, this park was not open.

3. Explore the Nightlife in Cabecera del Llano

Experience local nightlife in Cabecera del Llano, an upscale community with several restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it a great place to experience local life and cuisine. Bars and clubs offer evening entertainment.

4. Explore the Cañaveral Community

This modern community has several large shopping centers, providing various shopping and dining options, making it a good place to understand the local lifestyle. Cacique Shopping Center is the largest, and the views from the top terrace are worth seeing.

When You Have More Time and Budget:

5. Visit Chicamocha Canyon

One of Colombia’s most spectacular natural attractions, it is the second deepest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon in the USA.

It takes about 2 hours to drive from Bucaramanga to Chicamocha Canyon, and you can choose to rent a car or join a tour to explore the canyon and its surrounding attractions.

Various outdoor activities, such as paragliding, canyon cable car rides, and hiking, are also available.

6. Day Trip to Barichara

Barichara is regarded as one of Colombia’s most beautiful rural towns, known for its well-preserved colonial-style architecture and rich historical atmosphere.

The town’s streets are paved with traditional cobblestones, and the buildings feature white stone walls and red roofs, showcasing typical colonial style.

Major tourist attractions include the Church of Santa Bárbara and the Camino Real trail in Barichara.

It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to drive from Bucaramanga to Barichara. You can rent a car or join a tour to explore this charming town.

7. Parque Cerro del Santísimo and Jesus Statue

Parque Cerro del Santísimo is a comprehensive religious and leisure park, mainly known for its massive Jesus statue.

The park is located on a hill, offering spectacular city views and various recreational facilities.

It’s recommended by locals, but I’m personally not very interested.

Tickets can be purchased online, priced around 32,000 pesos.

8. Eloy Valenzuela Botanical Garden

Jardín Botánico Eloy Valenzuela is a great place to relax and enjoy nature while also being ideal for learning about local plants and ecosystems.

If you’re interested in botany or nature, it’s worth a visit, especially for the turtles inside.

There’s usually a small entrance fee; I paid 5,500 pesos when I went.