Barichara

Located in the Santander region, Barichara is considered by many to be the most photogenic village in Colombia. It is known for its perfectly preserved colonial architecture with cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and red tile roofs built in the late 18th century in an Andalusian style. The name Barichara means “place of rest” in the indigenous Guane language, and that is exactly what visitors find here. Highlights include the imposing Inmaculada Concepción Cathedral and the numerous viewpoints along the edge of the Río Suárez canyon. The surroundings of Barichara are characterized by a dry, hilly landscape that is good for hiking. The most famous hiking trail is the historic Camino Real, a paved path that connects the village with the even smaller settlement of Guane. In addition to nature, there is also a culinary curiosity to discover in Barichara: the Hormigas Culonas (large roasted ants), a delicacy of the Santander region. You should also try the local goat meat (Cabrito) and arepas made from yellow corn. Barichara is accessible via the adventure capital of San Gil, from which regular buses depart for the approximately 45-minute journey. The best time to travel is during the dry months from December to March and June to August. The climate is warm and dry, well-suited for a relaxed stroll through the quiet, sun-drenched streets.

Nearby cities

Bucaramanga

Also known as the city of parks.

Floridablanca

Southern suburb of Bucaramanga, famous for its sweets.

Barrancabermeja

Colombia's most important refinery city on the Magdalena River.

Piedecuesta

Known for the cultivation of blackberries and tobacco.

Girón

National monument city with whitewashed colonial houses.

San Gil

San Gil is the undisputed adventure sports capital of Colombia, situated amidst rugged canyons.

Paipa

A peaceful city in Boyacá, famous for its thermal springs and the idyllic Lake Sochagota.

Duitama

Important transport and commercial center in the Boyacá region.

Tunja

One of the oldest and highest cities.

Sogamoso

The city of the sun, a historical center of the Muisca.

Ocaña

City of historical importance near the Venezuelan border.

Aguachica

Second largest city in Cesar, an important logistical hub.

History & landmarks

Lancers Monument

The Lancers Monument commemorates the brave lancers who fought in the Battle of Pantano de Vargas.

Bridge of Boyacá

The Bridge of Boyacá is a small but historically immensely important structure.

Monguí

Considered one of Colombia's most beautiful heritage towns, famous for its colonial architecture and soccer ball manufacturing.

Ráquira

Colombia's pottery capital, a vibrant and colorful town known for its traditional clay craftsmanship.

Nature

Lake Tota

The largest lake in Colombia, a high-altitude lake in the Andes of Boyacá.

More places

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Barichara Historic Centre

A colonial village in Santander famous for its stone streets and excellently preserved 18th-century architecture.

Santander Free Trade Zone

A growing industrial and service zone near Bucaramanga, particularly attracting the BPO and healthcare sectors.

Barrancabermeja Refinery

The largest and most important oil refinery in Colombia, covering most of the domestic fuel demand.

Monument to the Lancers

A huge bronze monument in Boyacá dedicated to the brave lancers of the Battle of Pantano de Vargas.

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Pantano de Vargas Monument

A massive sculptural monument commemorating one of the fiercest battles in the Colombian War of Independence.

Ocetá Páramo

The Ocetá Páramo is considered the most beautiful páramo in Colombia due to its spectacular rock gardens and pristine landscapes.

Santurbán Páramo

The Santurbán Páramo in the Eastern Andes is a high mountain ecosystem increasingly threatened by mining.

Plaza Mayor (Villa de Leyva)

The largest cobblestone square in Colombia, surrounded by preserved 16th-century colonial architecture.