The municipality of Barrancas is located to the left margin of the Ranchería River in a valley formed between the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains and the Serranía del Perijá.

The average temperature is 28 °C throughout the year and distances from the capital of the Department of La Guajira, Riohacha.

The municipality of Barrancas lies in the Valley of Upar formed between the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (west) and the Serranía del Perijá (east) and within the basin of the Ranchería River.

During the war of independence from Spain, on March 26, 1813, the Cabildo of Barrancas insurrected against the local Spanish monarchy authorities destroying images and coat of arms of King Fernando VII.

Barrancas also has cultural influence and commercial trade related to agriculture from the city of Valledupar in the Department of Cesar.