Barichara and Chicamocha Canyon
in Colombia

The prettiest village in Colombia

Barichara is reputed to be the prettiest village in Colombia. Indeed, its colonial houses with whitewashed walls, its mythical cathedral, its cobbled streets and its surrounding tranquillity are all obvious reasons for Barichara’s magic and charm. Declared a Colombian Heritage Town, the town is aptly named, as its name means « place of rest » in the Guanese dialect, the indigenous people who once inhabited the region. Here, you’ll find tranquility, silence and peace, away from the frenetic pace and stress of Colombia’s big cities. It’s more than just a restful break. All your senses will be awakened by the incredible landscapes, gastronomy and year-round mild climate. A little further on, the pre-Hispanic Guane trail takes travellers back in time to the gold route… Nearby San Gil is the ideal starting point for extreme sports such as paragliding, rafting and canoeing.

Chicamocha Canyon

At two kilometers deep and 22.7 km long, the impressive Chicamocha Canyon, deeper than Arizona’s Grand Canyon, is a true natural wonder. Waterfalls, coffee plantations and untamed nature will make you want to extend your stay in the region, which can be visited either from Villa de Leyva or from Bucaramanga (nearest airport). For a « classic » discovery tour, we recommend a 4-day itinerary, to take in the region’s main sites of interest, between nature (San Gil, Chicamocha) and colonial villages (Barichara, Guane, Giron, Curiti), taking into account the relatively long journey times.

Located at an altitude of 1300m, Barichara enjoys a dry, pleasant climate all year round. Temperatures generally vary between 18°C and 24°C. They rarely drop below 16°C and never exceed 28°C. They rarely fall below 16°C and never exceed 28°C. The best time to visit Barichara is during the summer season, from June to the end of August, or from December to the end of February.

In a country with over 1,100 municipalities, it’s Barichara that has established itself as « Colombia’s most beautiful village », thanks to its cobbled streets and extremely well-preserved colonial architecture. Its origins date back to 1702, when, according to the locals, a peasant spotted the Virgin carved into a rock. The peasants first worshipped the rock, then decided to build a church on it. The parish, erected in 1751, was initially called Vare-florence, then Vara-echada and finally Barichara, and the entire village of Barichara grew up around the rock. Its streets, houses, churches and cemeteries are all built of yellow stone. The Immaculate Conception Cathedral in memory of the Virgin of the Rock is a unique work of art, supported by 10 sculpted monolithic columns, 5 metres high and 70 cm wide.

The historic center of Barichara was declared a national monument on August 3, 1978.In Barichara, you can also visit a number of historic monuments, such as the house of former president Aquileo Parra, the Emilio Pradilla González House of Culture, the chapels of San Antonio and Santa Bárbara, the new library and the « Puente Grande« , one of the country’s five most famous stone bridges. Discovered by Martín Galeano in 1540, Guane is also an emblematic historic site. You can visit its small archaeological museum, discover the architectural beauty of the Santa Lucía church or stroll along the famous pre-Hispanic paths steeped in history.

Colonial City of Barichara

Tour of Barichara, considered one of Colombia’s prettiest towns. Stroll through cobbled streets, visit churches (Immaculate Conception and Santa Barbara Cathedrals), discover local workshops (stone carvers, cigar makers, fabric and fiber embroidery workshops, ceramics…). The walk ends at the mirador, which offers a splendid panorama from the Rio Suarez to the Cordillera de los Cobardes.

Village of Giron (national monument)

Attractions include the Museum of Religious Art, the Chapel of La Nieves and the Señor de los Milagros Cathedral, a major pilgrimage site. On-site cigar-making workshops.

San Gil (Gallineral Park)

San Gil is first and foremost the starting point for numerous sporting activities. While in the village, take the opportunity to visit the botanical garden where the chiminango tree grows.

Gastronomy/Culinary specialties

Giant grilled and salted « hormigas culonas » ants (eaten since the time of the Guane Indians) are highly prized by connoisseurs! You can also try dishes based on goat, dried meat or corn..

Organic coffee growing

Visit El Roble, a hacienda in Mesa de Los Santos, renowned for its high-quality organic coffee. Stroll through the plantations and gardens, observethe many species of birds, discover the different types of beans and learn about the process (sowing, harvesting, roasting, grinding…)

Caving/ Cueva del Indio

Head to Paramo for an unforgettable experience: slide into the cave on an 80-meter-long zip line, explore the stalactite- and stalagmite-rich underground world, then swim back to the exit

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