
Major Highways & Driving Tips in Cúcuta, Colombia
1. Autopista Norte-Sur
The main north-south highway connecting Cúcuta with Bogotá. Crucial for travelers heading to or from the capital.
- Length: Stretches over 450 kilometers, providing a direct route between Cúcuta and Bogotá
- Toll Road: Requires payment of toll fees at certain points along the highway
- Construction: Recently upgraded to a modern four-lane highway, improving travel time and safety
2. Carretera Panamericana
The famous Pan-American Highway passes through Cúcuta, providing access to North, Central, and South America.
- Length: Over 30,000 miles long, making it the world's longest motorable road
- Multiple Countries: Passes through 15 countries, including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile
- Diverse Landscapes: Provides a unique opportunity to explore diverse landscapes and cultures along its route
3. Autovía al Puerto Santander
Connects Cúcuta with the Caribbean port of Puerto Santander. Useful for cargo transportation and coastal travel.
- Distance: Approximately 160 kilometers from Cúcuta to Puerto Santander
- Ferry Service: Requires using a ferry service to cross the Magdalena River at Barrancabermeja
- Scenic Coastal Drive: Offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and coastal landscapes during the drive
4. Autovía a Bucaramanga
Important highway connecting Cúcuta with Bucaramanga, the capital of Santander department.
- Length: Approximately 140 kilometers long, providing a direct route between the two cities
- Toll Road: Requires payment of toll fees at certain points along the highway
- Scenic Drive: Offers beautiful mountain vistas and coffee plantations along the route
5. Autovía a Villanueva
Connects Cúcuta with the town of Villanueva, a popular tourist destination.
- Distance: Approximately 90 kilometers from Cúcuta to Villanueva
- Scenic Drive: Offers stunning views of the Magdalena River and lush tropical landscapes along the route
- Tourist Attractions: Villanueva is known for its historic architecture, including the Church of San Francisco de Asís
6. Autovía a Arauca
Connects Cúcuta with the town of Arauca, near the border with Venezuela.
- Length: Approximately 60 kilometers from Cúcuta to Arauca
- Border Crossing: Near the border with Venezuela, useful for travelers heading to or from that country
- Cultural Experiences: Arauca is home to indigenous communities and offers unique cultural experiences
7. Autovía a Matecumbe
Connects Cúcuta with the border town of Matecumbe, near San Antonio del Táchira, Venezuela.
- Length: Approximately 20 kilometers from Cúcuta to Matecumbe
- Border Crossing: Used for crossing into Venezuela, important for travelers heading to or from that country
- Shopping Opportunities: Venezuelan shops offer goods at lower prices due to the economic situation in that country
8. Autopista al Puerto Leguízamo
Connects Cúcuta with the port of Puerto Leguízamo on the Orinoco River.
- Distance: Approximately 280 kilometers from Cúcuta to Puerto Leguízamo
- Ferry Service: Requires using a ferry service to cross the Orinoco River at El Almirante
- Scenic Drive: Offers beautiful views of the Orinoco River and lush tropical landscapes along the route
9. Carretera a El Tarra
Connects Cúcuta with the town of El Tarra, located in the plains near the Venezuelan border.
- Length: Approximately 40 kilometers from Cúcuta to El Tarra
- Border Crossing: Near the border with Venezuela, useful for travelers heading to or from that country
- Cultural Experiences: El Tarra is home to indigenous communities and offers unique cultural experiences
10. Autovía a San Gil
Connects Cúcuta with the town of San Gil, known for its adventure tourism opportunities.
- Length: Approximately 140 kilometers from Cúcuta to San Gil
- Scenic Drive: Offers stunning views of the Magdalena River and lush tropical landscapes along the route
- Adventure Tourism: San Gil is famous for its whitewater rafting, paragliding, and caving opportunities
11. Autovía a Tame
Connects Cúcuta with the town of Tame, known for its indigenous culture and markets.
- Length: Approximately 50 kilometers from Cúcuta to Tame
- Scenic Drive: Offers beautiful views of the Magdalena River and lush tropical landscapes along the route
- Indigenous Culture: Tame is home to indigenous communities and offers unique cultural experiences
12. Carretera a Puerto Santander
Connects Cúcuta with the port of Puerto Santander via the Magdalena River.
- Distance: Approximately 160 kilometers from Cúcuta to Barrancabermeja, followed by a ferry ride
- Ferry Service: Requires using a ferry service to cross the Magdalena River at Barrancabermeja
- Scenic Drive: Offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and coastal landscapes along the route
13. Autovía a La Victoria
Connects Cúcuta with the town of La Victoria, located in the plains near the Venezuelan border.
- Length: Approximately 25 kilometers from Cúcuta to La Victoria
- Border Crossing: Near the border with Venezuela, useful for travelers heading to or from that country
- Cultural Experiences: La Victoria is home to indigenous communities and offers unique cultural experiences
14. Autovía a La Macarena
Connects Cúcuta with the town of La Macarena, known for its national park and natural beauty.
- Length: Approximately 160 kilometers from Cúcuta to La Macarena
- Scenic Drive: Offers stunning views of the Serranía de la Macarena mountains and national park
- National Park: La Macarena National Park is home to unique flora, fauna, and the Caño Cristales river
15. Carretera a Ocaña
Connects Cúcuta with the city of Ocaña, located in the plains near the Venezuelan border.
- Length: Approximately 70 kilometers from Cúcuta to Ocaña
- Border Crossing: Near the border with Venezuela, useful for travelers heading to or from that country
- Cultural Experiences: Ocaña is known for its historic architecture and indigenous culture