6 Things To Do In Girardot, Colombia

Things to do in Girardot
Anne
Anne 
Updated
| 4 min read

Girardot is a town situated in the department of Cundiamarca in Colombia. The town offers various natural recreational sites, popular with the residents of Bogotá, a two-hour drive away from the town, and enjoys a warm and tropical climate. Girardot boasts a water park and several hotels and resorts and is popular for its nightlife. The closest airport to the city is Santiago Vila Airport, 3 km, or just under 2 miles away from Girardot.

Girardot is suitable as a destination in its own right for brief visits, or for enjoyable day trips in nature from Bogotá, but has little to offer international tourists in terms of a full vacation stay.

The city is involved in many natural conservation projects to protect the local flora and fauna and environment, as can be seen with the Humedal El Yulo Ricaurte educational area and the wetland area which can be seen at the Piscilago Girardot water park mentioned in the article. There are also several view points to visit around the town, offering views over the town and the surrounding scenery.

The following are some of the best things to see and do during a visit to Girardot.

1. Humedal El Yulo Ricaurte

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Humedal El Yulo Ricaurte is a natural wetland close to Girardot which is under restoration and protection to preserve the natural diversity of the region. Many recreation areas are available in the green and attractive park, where visitors can learn about recycling, nature and the importance of its protection.

Humedal El Yulo Ricaurte

Address: Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia

Website: Humedal El Yulo Ricaurte

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2. Parque de la Locomotora

Magdalena Girardot
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Baiji used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Parque de la Locomotora is home to steam locomotive number 89. The steam train traveled from the Atlantic Coast and was used in the past to transport passengers and goods. The original name of the train was the “Express of the Sun.” The park can be found in front of the Girardot House of Culture, which is housed on what used to be the original railway station in the town.

Also of interest is the Puente Ferreo of Girardot, which is an iron rail bridge across the Magdalena River. The bridge was inaugurated in 1930 and joined the Girardot Railway Station to the station in Tolima - Huila.

Parque de la Locomotora

Address: Cra. 12 #11-1 a 11-117, Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia

Website: Parque de la Locomotora

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3. View points in Girardot

Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia - panoramio - Jimmy Gómez N
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jimmy Gómez N used under CC BY-SA 3.0

There are several beautiful view points, known as “Miradors” in Spanish, to visit in and around Girardot, giving scenic views across the surrounding countryside and over the River Magdalena. Mirador de Alto de la Cruz offers beautiful views of the river and the Cordillera Central Mountains, right across to the Flanders Airport. Mirador Alto de las Rosas offers a stunning view over the Magdalena River, while Mirador del Cerro del Arbolito offers a view over the city of Girardot itself.

Girardot Viewpoints

Address: Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia

Website: Girardot Viewpoints (in Spanish)

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4. Piscilago Girardot

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Piscilago Girardot is an aquatic centre or water park located in the city of Girardot. The park is located at Km 105 via Bogota-Girardot and is well recognized in Latin America for its natural and aquatic attractions, including programs designed for the conservation of the flora and fauna of the region. As can be seen from the video, there is also a variety of fun water rides and slides as well as a dedicated children’s water park. There is also a beautiful lake and forest to visit. The park also has an onsite zoo area, with tigers, lions, jaguars, otters, anacondas and ostriches, as well as several species of water bird.

If you’re a true lover of waterparks, you can make Piscilago Girardot an entire day trip. Don’t worry about bringing your own refreshments or food, as the park offers several different dining options. Restaurants, snack kiosks or cafes - you name it, they’ve got it! At the end of the day, be sure to drop by the Piscilago gift shop for a small souvenir of your time here.

Piscilago Girardot

Address: Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia

Website: Piscilago Girardot

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5. Isla del Sol

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Isla del Sol is a natural park, set in a beautiful landscape with stone islands in the water. The area lends itself well to various activities for the nature lover in all of us. Lay out a towel and relax on the beach, or perhaps take a hike and explore the surrounding area! Picnics are definitely another good option for those looking to spend a lazy day on the coast.

Boating and fishing are enjoyable pastimes here as well. Pleasure cruises are offered on the beach for visitors to while away a couple hours on the River Magdalena. If you stay long enough, you may even get to watch as the tides of the River Magdalena rise and submerge the stone islands!

Isla del Sol

Address: Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia

Website: Isla del Sol

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6. Plaza de Mercado

Plaza de Mercado Girardot
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user LorenaRoblesH used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Plaza de Mercado in Girardot is the town’s oldest market square and was made a national monument in May 1990. The market was originally designed by a German architect, Leopoldo Rother and is well known for its design, with its arched ceilings, diagonal columns and wide corridors. At the time it was constructed, between 1946 and 1951, it was considered to be a very advanced example of modern architecture. While not looking particularly attractive these days, the Plaza de Mercado is a working market selling fresh fish, meat and fruit and vegetables and other items.

Plaza de Mercado, Girardot

Address: Cra. 9 #10-1 a 10-101, Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia

Website: Plaza de Mercado (in Spanish)

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Enjoy your visit to Girardot in Colombia!

Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jimmy Gómez N used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Whether heading out for a day trip from your hotel in Bogotá, or staying in the town itself, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Girardot, including the surrounding nature and beautiful scenery.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Anne Sewell was born in England, but has spent most of her life in Africa - Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa - and now resides on the beautiful Costa del Sol in southern Spain. She loves writing...Read more

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