Bucaramanga facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bucaramanga
Municipality and city
Bucaramanga skyline Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Family Casa de Bolívar Palace of Justice Viaducto Provincial
Flag Coat of arms
Nicknames:  La ciudad bonita (The Pretty City) La ciudad de los parques (The City of Parks)
Motto(s):  Montani semper liberi
Location of the city and municipality of Bucaramanga in the Santander Department
Bucaramanga Location in Colombia
Country	Colombia
Region	Andean Region
Department	Santander
Foundation	22 December 1622
Area
• Municipality and city	152.9 km2 (59.0 sq mi)
• City	55.31 km2 (21.36 sq mi)
Elevation	959 m (3,146 ft)
Population  (2020 estimate)
• Municipality and city	607,428
• Rank	10th in Colombia
• Density	3,972.7/km2 (10,289/sq mi)
• Urban	893,040
• Metro	1,304,288
• City	597,316
Demonym(s)	Bumangués
GDP (PPP, constant 2015 values)
• Year	2023
• Total	$22.7 billion
Time zone	UTC-05 (Eastern Time Zone)
Postal code	680001-680011
Area code(s)	57 + 7
Website	Official website: http://www.bucaramanga.gov.co/

Bucaramanga is a vibrant city in Colombia. It is the capital of the Santander region. People often call it "The Pretty City" (La Ciudad Bonita). It is also known as "The City of Parks" (La Ciudad de Los Parques). This is because it has over 160 parks!

Bucaramanga is an important city in Colombia. It has one of the largest economies in the country. It is also one of the most populated cities. Many people live here, making it a busy and lively place. The city has grown a lot since the 1960s. It has expanded into nearby towns like Floridablanca, Girón, and Piedecuesta. Together, these areas form the Bucaramanga Metropolitan Area. This large area is home to over 1.3 million people.

Exploring Bucaramanga's Past

Bucaramanga in 1851

Bucaramanga was founded on December 22, 1622. It started as an indigenous town. Early on, people mainly mined gold from the rivers. For a long time, another town called Girón was more important. Bucaramanga grew bigger in the 1800s.

In 1779, it became known as a Parish. Its full name was the Parish of Our Lady of Chiquinquira and San Laureano de la Real de Minas de Bucaramanga. In the late 1800s, Bucaramanga became the capital of the Santander region. This was a big step for the city.

Understanding Bucaramanga's Climate

Bucaramanga is located in the Andean mountains of Colombia. It sits on a high plateau. To the west, there is a deep canyon called Rio de Oro. To the east, the mountains rise to very high peaks.

The city has a tropical rainforest climate. This means it is generally warm and rainy. However, Bucaramanga's altitude makes its climate unique. It is not too hot or too cold. The average temperature is around 22 degrees Celsius. Cool winds from the mountains keep daytime temperatures pleasant. Warm air from the canyon keeps nights from getting too cold.

Symbols of Bucaramanga

The Municipal Flag

The flag of Bucaramanga was designed by Gustavo Gómez Mejía. It has two green stripes and a yellow one in the middle. In the center, there is a blue circle. This circle is surrounded by a red ring. Inside the blue circle, a white star shines brightly. The red ring has a special message written on it. It says: "Below the azure of its sky and defended by the generous blood of its sons, Bucaramanga is opened to the four horizons of the motherland."

The Municipal Coat of Arms

The coat of arms of Bucaramanga features the Latin words Montani Semper Liberi. This phrase means "Mountaineers are Always Free." It is a motto that shows the spirit of the people from this mountainous region.

People of Bucaramanga

Bucaramanga is home to many people. In 2018, the city had an estimated population of over 681,000 residents. Slightly more than half of the population are women. Most households have about 3 to 4 people living together. Many people live in apartments, while others live in houses.

Bucaramanga's Economy and Industries

Downtown Bucaramanga, Santander Park, and the Triad building

Bucaramanga is known for its strong economy. One of its most famous industries is making shoes. The city's footwear is sold all over Colombia and even in other countries. There is also a large clothing industry here.

The city is a hub for research. Many centers study topics like energy, oil, and new technologies. Big companies like Terpel and Bavaria Brewery have factories nearby. Bucaramanga also hosts many events and trade fairs. These events bring visitors and businesses to the city. For example, the International Exhibition of Children's Fashion (EIMI) happens here. It is the only event of its kind in Latin America.

Shopping and Business Centers

Bucaramanga has many modern shopping centers. Places like La Florida, Megamall, Cacique, and Parque Caracolí offer lots of stores and entertainment. The "Cabecera del Llano" area has several popular malls. These centers make Bucaramanga a great place for shopping and business.

View of the city of Bucaramanga in 2006

Working in Bucaramanga

Bucaramanga has historically had low unemployment rates. This means many people can find jobs here. The city's growing industries and businesses create many opportunities.

Getting Around Bucaramanga

Trunk Highway Metrolínea in Bucaramanga - Floridablanca and Canaveral station

Bucaramanga has a public transport system called Metrolínea. It uses special buses that travel on dedicated routes. This system helps people move around the city and its nearby towns. On average, people spend about 57 minutes commuting on public transit each weekday. A typical trip covers about 5.6 kilometers.

Road Connections

The city is well-connected by roads to other parts of Colombia. National Route 66 links Bucaramanga to cities like Barrancabermeja and Cúcuta. National Route 45A connects it to Bogotá and the Caribbean region.

Air Travel

Bucaramanga Palonegro Airport.

The main airport for Bucaramanga is Palonegro International Airport. It is located on a hill west of the city. The airport opened in 1974. It offers daily flights to major Colombian cities. There are also international flights to Panama City. Palonegro International Airport is one of Colombia's most important airports.

Famous People from Bucaramanga

Many important Colombians have come from Bucaramanga.

• Luis Carlos Galán was a presidential candidate who lost his life in 1989.
• Carlos Ardila Lülle was a very important businessman in Colombia.
• Oscar Rodríguez Naranjo was a famous artist. He directed the Academia de Bellas Artes in Bucaramanga.
• Other notable people include Ruvén Afanador (photographer), Julián Leal (racing driver), and Gustavo Lorgia (illusionist).

Learning in Bucaramanga: Education

Bucaramanga is known for its excellent universities. These institutions offer many programs for higher education.

• The Industrial University of Santander (Universidad Industrial de Santander) is a leading public university. It offers many degrees in health, humanities, sciences, and engineering. It has about 14,000 students.
• Other important universities include:
  • Autonomous University of Bucaramanga (UNAB)
  • Universidad de Santander (UDES)
  • Unidades Tecnológicas de Santander (UTS)
  • Saint Thomas Aquinas University (Universidad Santo Tomás)
  • Pontifical Bolivarian University (Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana)

• 

  Universidad Industrial de Santander. Geometry Lesson Memorial and Auditorium Luis A. Calvo

• 

  Universidad Industrial de Santander. Faculty of Humanities

• 

  Autonomous University of Bucaramanga, campus El bosque

Bucaramanga's Culture and Arts

Museum of Modern Art in Bucaramanga

Bucaramanga has a rich culture. It includes visual arts like painting, sculpture, and photography. The city has a history of supporting artists and writers. Many cultural groups have formed here over the years.

Literature is a big part of Bucaramanga's culture. The city has produced many talented writers. The Municipal Institute of Culture helps support arts and cultural activities. It offers library services and art workshops. The city also has a cultural radio station, Station Cultural Luis Carlos Galán Sarmiento.

Delicious Food: Gastronomy of Bucaramanga

Corn arepa (arepa de maiz pelado) and tamal are some of the typical dishes of Santander.

Bucaramanga offers many unique and tasty dishes.

• Mute santandereano is a hearty soup. It is made with grains, vegetables, herbs, and meat.
• Other popular dishes include fricassee (a mix of meat and rice) and roasted meat.
• Arepa de maíz pelado and tamales are also local favorites.

For those with a sweet tooth, there are many candies. These include candied celery, lemon, and pineapple. The oblea (a thin wafer) and bocadillo veleño (a fruit paste candy) are also very popular.

One of the most unusual foods is the "hormigas culonas" or "big-butt ants." These ants are a local delicacy. People have eaten them for a very long time, even before colonial times. They are high in protein and are only available in May and June.

Fun Things to Do: Tourism in Bucaramanga

Bucaramanga and its surrounding areas offer many exciting things to do.

• You can enjoy ecological tourism in its many parks.
• For adventure tourism, try paragliding at "Voladero the Águilas." It's just a short drive from the city.
• The downtown area has beautiful colonial buildings. You can see old churches like San Laureano and Dolores Chapel. There are also historic houses, such as the home of Simon Bolivar.

Bucaramanga is known as one of Colombia's top tourism spots. It has great hotels and many restaurants. There are also fun nightclubs for evening entertainment.

Hotel Dann Carlton.

Chicamocha Canyon

Amazing Views: Lookouts

• Morrorico: Located east of Bucaramanga, this spot offers a wide view of the city. You can see the statue of Sacred Heart here.
• Palonegro: On the road to the airport, this lookout provides a splendid view of the entire metropolitan area. It's a popular spot, especially on weekends.

Nature and History: Attractions Nearby

Chicamocha National Park, also known as PANACHI, one of the major attractions of the region.

• Chicamocha National Park (PANACHI): This park offers incredible views of the Chicamocha Canyon. You can see the mighty Chicamocha and Suarez rivers from here.
• Giron: Just 9 kilometers from Bucaramanga, this town was founded in 1631. It has beautiful colonial architecture and is a national monument. Visit the Museum of Religious Art and the Basilica of the Lord of Miracles.
• Socorro: About 121 kilometers from Bucaramanga, Socorro is a historic town. It was the starting point of a famous uprising in 1781. You can see monuments to heroes like José Antonio Galán and Antonia Santos.
• Barichara: Located 118 kilometers from Bucaramanga, Barichara is known as "the Cutest little town in Colombia." It has charming cobblestone streets and wooden balconies.
  • Guane: A colonial village near Barichara with a 17th-century church and an Archaeological Museum. The museum has fossils and old books.
• San Gil: About 96 kilometers from Bucaramanga, San Gil is famous for adventure sports. You can go rafting, mountain climbing, or mountain biking. Don't miss The Gallineral park, an island in the river with moss-covered trees.

Sports and Recreation

Bucaramanga is a city that loves sports!

• Football: The city has the Estadio Alfonso López, a large stadium that can hold 28,000 fans. It is the home of the local football team, Atlético Bucaramanga.
• Other Sports: The Coliseo Bicentenario is a modern arena built in 2011. It can seat 8,000 spectators. It is home to the Búcaros Santander basketball team. The city also has the Edmundo Luna Santos Coliseum.

Bucaramanga has hosted the National Games of Colombia twice. It also hosted the Pan American Cycling Championships in 2000. In 2016, the city was one of the hosts for the 2016 FIFA Futsal World Cup.

See also

In Spanish: Bucaramanga para niños