Travel Guide Valledupar

Valledupar, the valley of the Upar, is the capital of the department of Caesar. Although the city has some interesting historical monuments, its interest lies mainly in the festive atmosphere of the city. In Valledupar, one must participate in a parranda, a party accompanied by the accordion, the caja (drum) and the guacharaca (calabash with grooves that is scraped with a stick), an instrument of indigenous origin. This trio of instruments is the basis of the vallenato, whose pulse can be felt in the singing hearts of an entire people. Valledupar organizes every year the Festival of the Vallenata Legend at the end of April, a must for all fans of this musical genre. And they are numerous in Colombia! In November, the International Meeting of the Female Vallenato (EVAFE) is held again. But Valledupar is not only about vallenato! The festival of La Quinta usually takes place in August over a weekend, in the historical center, then partly closed to traffic. A great showcase for local artists (music, painting, audiovisual...), crafts and local gastronomy.The other interest of a short stay in Valledupar is the nearby presence of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, natural sanctuary where the Kogui, Arhuaco, Kankuamo and Wiwa Indians live. We are here on the south side which is much less touristy than the north side overlooking the Caribbean coast. It is an opportunity to get off the beaten track and live an even more authentic experience.