Valledupar, May 20, 2026. Those who visit the World Capital of Vallenato are usually drawn by Vallenato music, the beauty of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, or the hospitality of its people. However, as they approach the Hurtado resort, one of the most visited places in the host city of the II Parasuramerican Games Valledupar 2026, they will inevitably encounter another of its great symbols: the Mermaid of the Guatapurí River.
The figure, now one of the most recognizable and iconic images of the capital of Cesar, has its origins in a legend that has been passed down from generation to generation and is part of the cultural heritage of this region of the Colombian Caribbean.
Popular tradition tells that many years ago, a young woman named Rosario defied an ancient prohibition on Holy Thursday. Despite her family’s warnings and the beliefs surrounding the Guatapuri River during Holy Week, she decided to jump into the water after midnight, a time considered sacred by the people of that era.
According to legend, the river then exacted a mysterious toll. Rosario was transformed into a mermaid, condemned to remain forever in the depths of the Guatapurí. Since then, popular tales say, her song can be heard amid the sound of the water and the river stones, especially on quiet nights when the current flows down from the Sierra Nevada.
Beyond the myth, the story eventually became one of the most iconic tales in the Vallenato imagination. Over the years, the Siren of Guatapurí inspired songs, stories, artistic expressions, and family conversations that helped keep the tradition alive.
An icon for visitors to Valledupar
Today, the golden sculpture of the Mermaid welcomes thousands of visitors each year at the Hurtado beach resort, one of the city’s main tourist attractions. There, families, athletes, and domestic and international tourists enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Guatapurí while gazing at a figure that has become a symbol of Valledupar.
The site offers one of the city’s most iconic views: the river flowing down from the Sierra Nevada, the traditional food kiosks, the cañaguates in bloom during certain times of the year, and the silhouette of the Mermaid overlooking the landscape.&
A must-see during Valledupar 2026
During the IIParasuramerican Games Valledupar 2026, the Hurtado resort will be one of the recommended destinations for delegations and visitors who wish to experience the cultural essence of the region beyond the sporting venues.
There, they will discover that Valledupar is not just about music and sports. It is also a land of stories, legends, and traditions that remain alive along the river.
Because for the Vallenatos, the Siren of the Guatapurí is not simply a sculpture. It is a tale that connects the city to its roots and continues to accompany the passing of generations along the banks of Cesar’s most iconic river, a land where the legend never ends.
By Lauren Mellado.
JPV Press 2026.-
