Midways between Cartagena and Santa Marta, on the Troncal del Caribe highway, is Barranquilla, Colombia’s principal Caribbean port and capital of Atlántico Department. On the west bank of the Río Magdalena, 22 kilometers (13 miles) from the river’s mouth, this city was a backwater for several centuries. Its international commercial importance began to be felt in the late 19th century. Immigrants arrived from around the world, strongly flavoring the ambience of the city. It has a sizeable Middle Eastern community evidenced not only in commerce, but also in the presence of two mosques and even Arab channels on cable TV. This segment of the population also has its famous sons and daughters, including (most notably) Shakira. Barranquilla, Puerto de Oro de Colombia (Colombia’s Gold Port) or La Arenosa (The Sandy One), is most famous for its pre-Lent Carnaval. There is much to know, though, of this city. From museums to stunning architecture, from premier beaches to baseball you’ll find many ways to pass sultry Barranquillero days.