Barranquilla, Colombia, will host the 2027 PanAm Aquatics Championships from late April through May 2027. More than 1,500 athletes from 45 countries will compete across seven aquatic disciplines for nearly a month. This event marks a major milestone for aquatics throughout the Americas.
Seven Disciplines Unite Including Two New Additions
The Championships will feature all seven aquatic disciplines: swimming, diving, artistic swimming, water polo, open water swimming, high diving, and water polo 4×4. For the first time in event history, high diving and water polo 4×4 join the program. These additions reflect the continued growth and evolution of aquatics in the region.
Competition takes place across two premier venues in Barranquilla. Puerto Velero will host open water swimming and water polo 4×4. The Complejo Acuático Distrital Eduardo Movilla will welcome swimming, diving, artistic swimming, water polo, and high diving competitions.
What to know about the 2027 PanAm Aquatics
This championship serves as a key qualification opportunity toward the Lima 2027 Pan American Games. Athletes also qualify for the Budapest 2027 World Aquatics Championships through this event. Swimmers can even qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles here. Sports authorities expect thousands of international visitors, including delegations, coaches, media, and fans.
Barranquilla, known as Colombia’s “Golden Gate,” offers excellent international connectivity. Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport provides important national and international connections. The city maintains an average temperature of 27.4°C year-round, so light clothing works best. Hotel accommodations with air conditioning are readily available across various budgets.
The city hosts the Carnaval de Barranquilla, a UNESCO Masterpiece of Intangible Heritage. Barranquilla also serves as the birthplace of famous musician, Shakira, and actress, Sofia Vergara.
What This Means for Barranquilla and Colombian Aquatics
Mayor Alejandro Char declared this opportunity helps consolidate Barranquilla as the “heart of sport in America.” PanAm Aquatics President Maureen Croes called bringing Championships to Barranquilla “the cherry on top” of extraordinary growth. The organization thanked FECNA and the City for their commitment and vision in making this reality.
Preparations will include youth training programs with PanAm Aquatics instructors throughout the event. This nearly month-long celebration runs from late April through most of May 2027. The event represents a defining moment for athletes across the Americas. Foreign visitors should consider booking hotels in safe neighborhoods like El Prado, Alto Prado, or Riomar.
Barranquilla continues solidifying its position as a venue for major international sporting events. Following Medellín’s successful 2025 Championships, Barranquilla 2027 elevates the event to new heights. The road to Barranquilla starts now for the entire aquatic community.
