Arauca: River Landscape, History and Joropo

Arauca can be explored through a variety of themes: the river and its islands, the city's history and its cultural traditions. At the Malecón, river scenery and urban cultural life come together. Monuments and local legends add stories that are remembered and passed on in Arauca.

At the Malecón: River Landscape and Culture

At the Malecón, you can walk along the Arauca River and observe river islands where Guahibo Indigenous people live. The islands are therefore not only part of the landscape, but also a habitat. Those interested in the river and its surroundings will find a different way to experience Arauca here than through the city's monuments.

The Concha Acústica Fórum Los Libertadores is located in the Malecón area. The city's cultural events are usually held there. If a particular event is important to your trip, check its date before making plans. This will help you decide whether the cultural programme fits your intended stay.

Monuments and Places of Remembrance

Several places of remembrance bring Arauca's history to life. The Monumento al Bicentenario commemorates Arauca's declaration as the capital of New Granada on 16 July 1816. A bust of the Liberator stands in the centre of Parque Bolívar. Nearby, a plaque commemorates a meeting between Simón Bolívar and his liberation junta at this location. Together, the two monuments show different forms of public commemoration: one marks a historic date, while the other recalls a meeting associated with the park.

Joropo is also represented in the cityscape: a monument to this dance is located at the Fórum Los Libertadores. Visitors interested in culture and history can thus discover a connection to a musical and dance tradition alongside the places of remembrance.

Festivals, Coleo and Local Traditions

Arauca celebrates the Festival Araucano de la Frontera and the Torneo Internacional del Joropo. Both names refer to events that help shape the city's cultural character. Manga de Coleo Carlos Rodil García and Manga de Coleo Chapín Bello are Coleo arenas in Arauca. If you would like to plan your trip around one of the festivals, check the event date in advance.

Another facet of local tradition is La Madrevieja, a lagoon within the city of Arauca. It is associated with a legend that anyone who drinks its water will never leave Arauca.

Arauca as a Destination and a Base for Your Holiday Rental

River scenery, city history, Joropo and festivals offer different focal points for a stay. Even if you are travelling with a variety of interests, these themes can help with planning together: if you mainly want to experience the Malecón and the river islands, your plans will focus on different discoveries than a trip centred more on monuments or cultural events.

When looking for a holiday rental in Arauca, first consider which of these sides of the city you want to shape your trip.

For the broader travel overview: Arauca.