Valledupar, May 25, 2026. The capital of the department of Cesar is preparing to welcome athletes, delegations, and visitors during the IIParasuramerican Games in history. But beyond the excitement of the competitions, Valledupar offers unique experiences that allow you to discover the essence of a city where culture, nature, and Caribbean hospitality are part of everyday life.
If you visit Valledupar during the games, here are some must-do activities to add to your itinerary.
1. Enjoy the waters of the Guatapurí River
There is a popular saying that claims, whoever bathes in the Guatapurí River will stay in the city forever. We don’t know if it’s true, but few experiences better represent Valledupar than a visit to the Hurtado beach resort to enjoy this majestic river that runs north to south through the entire city.
The cold, crystal-clear waters of the Guatapurí River, which flow down from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, have become one of the favorite spots for residents and visitors alike. There, you can enjoy a privileged natural setting, sample the local cuisine, and take a photo next to the iconic Sirena del Guatapurí, one of the city’s most recognizable symbols.
Nearby is also Parque de La Provincia, a space that combines nature, recreation, and sculptures dedicated to great figures of Vallenato folklore, including that of the minstrel Diomedes Díaz, one of the most visited and photographed in the region.
2. Explore the historic heart of the city
Plaza Alfonso López is one of Valledupar’s most iconic landmarks and the ideal starting point for discovering its history. Surrounding it are heritage buildings, cultural spaces, museums, and venues where the legacy of vallenato music is alive and well. Walking through this part of the plaza means encountering the roots of a city that has made music one of its main calling cards to the world.
3. Climb the hill of Santo Ecce Homo
For those who enjoy hiking, adventure tourism, nature walks, and capturing the best panoramic views, there is a must-see stop in Valledupar. Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the Santo Ecce Homo Hill offers one of the most breathtaking views of the World Capital of Vallenato. At the summit—which can be reached via well-trodden trails and paths—stands the iconic sculpture of the saint, whose name comes from the Latin phrase meaning “Behold the Man,” a monument representing the veneration of Jesus Christ,bound to a column and crowned with thorns—a place that combines spirituality, nature, and landscapes ideal for photography.
From there, you can admire the city, the rivers, and the mountains surrounding the capital of Cesar, the host city of Valledupar 2026.
4. Experience Valledupar’s sports culture
As the host city of the IIParasuramerican Games in history, Valledupar boasts modern sports venues that have strengthened its infrastructure and its role as a host city for major multisport events in the Olympic or Paralympic cycle,
The Racquet Sports Complex, the venues at Parque de La Vida, the La Gota Fría Sports Complex, the Armando Maestre Pavajeau and other community spaces such as the courts in Las Flores, Barrio Panamá, and more than 90 community parks for the enjoyment of the entire city, managed by the director of Valledupar 2026, Elmer Jiménez Silva,&allow people to enjoy sports not only as spectators but also as participants, making physical activity part of the city’s lifestyle and recreational experience.
5. Enjoy the cuisine and nightlife of Valle
When evening falls, the city offers a wide variety of dining and entertainment options.
Calle Novena and its surroundings are home to some of the restaurants, cafes, bars, and gathering spots most frequented by locals and tourists alike. There, you can sample traditional regional dishes, enjoy national and international cuisine, and experience the festive atmosphere that characterizes the world capital of vallenato. You’ll find the same culinary options when visiting the bustling Simón Bolívar Avenue, Valledupar’s main thoroughfare, where you’ll discover extraordinary places to eat featuring the region’s wide variety of options—all adaptable to your plans or budget while visiting the city.
Valledupar, Much More Than a Sports Venue
During the II Valledupar 2026 Parasuramerican Games, visitors will find a city ready to offer unforgettable experiences both on and off the sports fields.
Amid mountains, rivers, accordions, legends, fine cuisine, and a renowned tradition of hospitality, Valledupar opens its doors to show why it is one of the most attractive destinations in the Colombian Caribbean.
Because here, every visitor arrives drawn by sports but ends up falling in love with the city, where: “after living it and enjoying it so much, you stay forever”…
By Cristian Valle Coronado
JPV 2026 Press Office.-
