Barranquilla is preparing to inaugurate one of its most ambitious urban attractions: Luna del Rio, a 65-meter-tall Ferris wheel rising over the iconic Gran Malecón alongside the Magdalena River. The project, led by the city administration under Mayor Alejandro Char, is expected to become a symbol of urban transformation, recreation, and tourism development for the city.
Features of Luna del Rio, Barranquilla’s new attraction
Luna del Rio will have 44 transparent, air-conditioned cabins, each with a capacity for six people, allowing visitors to enjoy a 15- to 20-minute ride with 360-degree panoramic views of the river, the city, and the Caribbean horizon. The structural components were manufactured by the Italian company Fabbri Group, renowned worldwide for its large-scale attractions.
The Ferris wheel will also feature a multicolor LED lighting system, which can be programmed for special events, turning it into a nighttime visual spectacle. Surrounding the structure, a park is being developed with green areas, pedestrian walkways, and commercial spaces including cafes, kiosks, and recreational venues.
Construction is progressing quickly. In less than 60 days, the 44 air-conditioned cabins were installed — an important milestone marking the project’s final phase. The attraction is expected to open in early 2026 and is projected to double the number of visitors to the Gran Malecon, already the most visited public space in Barranquilla.
@alejandrocharch Qué linda se va viendo la Luna del Río! Muy pronto!!!
Barranquilla: A city experiencing a tourism boom
In recent years, Barranquilla has experienced an unprecedented tourism boom. In 2024 alone, the city recorded more than 110,000 monthly visitors, strengthening its position as one of the most attractive emerging destinations in the Colombian Caribbean. Business tourism has also played a significant role, with around 35% of visitors arriving for fairs, conventions, and corporate events, boosted by the city’s modern infrastructure.
The Barranquilla Carnival remains the city’s leading cultural attraction, drawing both national and international travelers.
Barranquilla is undergoing a comprehensive transformation. In addition to the Gran Malecon, the city is advancing major initiatives such as the Cienaga de Mallorquin, an ecotourism project aimed at positioning Barranquilla as a national leader in sustainable tourism. The hotel sector has expanded with the arrival of new international chains, while the local culinary scene blends traditional coastal flavors with innovative proposals.
Thanks to this momentum, Barranquilla has become a tourism and business hub in the Caribbean region, competing directly with major coastal destinations such as Cartagena and Santa Marta. The city attracts visitors from the United States and Europe, and tourism has become a crucial engine for the local economy, generating thousands of jobs in sectors such as hospitality, gastronomy, transportation, and commerce.