Guatapurí River environmental restoration in Valledupar

In July 2026, authorities in Valledupar announced the temporary closure of the Hurtado beach area to restore the natural channel of the Guatapurí River and protect its ecosystem. Following consultations with local merchants, vendors began removing a large volume of informal structures, including tents, metal shelters, and thousands of chairs and tables that had occupied the riverbank.

Technical assessments identified that unregulated activities, wastewater discharges, and the use of fill materials had narrowed the river’s flow. By August, the Mayor’s Office issued Decree 0675 to formalize intervention in the sector between the Sirena monument and the Hanging Bridge.

The restoration project includes environmental, hydraulic, forestry, and sanitation works designed to mitigate risks such as erosion and increased flow velocity caused by artificial terraces and cement structures. During the implementation phases, access for swimming and recreational activities will be restricted on weekdays to ensure the river can be managed safely and responsibly.