Barú

Barú refers to a geographical region on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, comprising a barrier peninsula and nearby island near the city of Cartagena in Bolívar Department. It forms a coastal landform that separates the Gulf of Cartagena from a lagoon and mangrove system. Administratively, Barú is the corregimiento of Barú within the municipality of Cartagena de Indias.

Geography and environment: The Barú area features beaches, dunes, mangrove swamps, and tropical dry forest. It is best known for Playa Blanca, a long white-sand beach that attracts visitors from Cartagena. The coastal ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife, including shorebirds and marine life, and the surrounding waters are active fishing grounds for local communities. The peninsula lies in proximity to protected marine areas such as the Parques Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo, which influences conservation efforts in the region.

Access and economy: The peninsula is reached mainly by road from Cartagena and by boat to some coastal areas. The local economy centers on tourism, fishing, and related services, with several accommodations ranging from eco-lodges to small hotels. Tourism development has brought economic benefits but also environmental pressures, including coastal erosion and habitat disturbance, prompting ongoing management and conservation considerations.

Name usage: The name Barú is used for other places in the region as well, including a corregimiento in Panama; this article describes Barú in Colombia.