In brief
Nestled in the majestic mountains of the Colombian Andes, the village of Barichara transports visitors back to a bygone era, where colonial architecture and picturesque charm reign supreme. Located in the department of Santander, this historic gem offers an enchanting escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its impeccable cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and centuries-old churches, Barichara has a timeless atmosphere. Travelers who wander its narrow, winding streets also discover breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. In short, a visit to Barichara is a very worthwhile initiative, just like any other heritage village in Colombia!
Barichara
- County: Santander (Andes)
- Founded: 1742
- Altitude: 1,336 m
- Climate: warm and temperate
- Population: 11,092 (2023)
- Safety: very safe
- Recommended duration: 2-3 nights
- Direct access: San Gil
Our opinion: superb village with bonus warmth ★★★
Barichara is a true Colombian treasure, a village where time seems to have stood still. Colonial houses with white facades and red-tiled, ochre-paved roofs exude a warm, bewitching atmosphere. What’s most striking is the tranquility that reigns in Barichara, less visited than other villages such as Villa de Leyva or Jardín. The locals are warm and welcoming, and the relaxed atmosphere invites you to relax and contemplate. Because of its “low” altitude, around 1300m, temperatures are high enough to enjoy the hotel swimming pools. Its style is also different from other Colombian heritage villages. The only drawback, which is paradoxically its strong point, is that the village is rather isolated; you’ll often have to return to San Gil to reach other sites to visit, such as the Chicamocha canyon or the Cascade Juan Curi.
When should you travel to Barichara?
You can visit the village of Barichara at any time of year.
Tourist traffic in Barichara: for a more tranquil experience, it’s best to opt for weekdays when visiting Barichara. Avoid peak periods such as December-January, Holy Week, as well as weekends and public holidays, as these attract a lot of people. Despite this, Barichara remains a quieter and less crowded place than Salento, Guatapé or Villa de Leyva, for example.
Climate in Barichara: the Barichara region has a bimodal rainfall pattern, with two peaks of intense rainfall between April and May, and September and October, alternating with two dry periods between June and August, and November to February. But you’ll never be safe from a shower, even in “dry” periods due to the uncertainties of equatorial climates. Temperatures are very pleasant, hovering around 28°c during the day.
Legend: Blue: transport terminal – Yellow: activities & visits – Green: accommodation – Orange: restaurants
History of Barichara
Located in the foothills of the Colombian Andes, the picturesque village of Barichara attracts visitors with its preserved colonial charm and tranquil ambience. But behind its contemporary beauty lies a rich and eventful history that goes back centuries. In this article, we delve into the history and evolution of Barichara, exploring its origins, key moments and development to the present day.
Origins: foundation and colonization
The Guanentá region, located between the Suárez, Chicamocha and Fonce rivers, was the cradle of a remarkable pre-Columbian culture. Around the 8th or 9th century A.D., peoples similar to the Chibchas, practicing agriculture and pottery, settled here. Development was rapid, with remains ofterraced agriculture, irrigation canals and tombs decorated with colorfultextiles discovered by archaeologists. At the beginning of the 16th century, the“Guanes”, as the Spaniards called them, numbered between 150,000 and 300,000 people and occupied a large part of what was to become the province of Socorro, from the north of Moniquirá and Vélez to the Mesa de Jerira (or de los Santos) and Zapatoca.
The Spaniards subdued the Guanentá in the years following 1540 and divided their Indians into encomiendas (The encomienda was a Spanish labor system that rewarded conquerors with the labor of conquered non-Christian peoples), which they subjected to tribute. Rebellions, such as that of the cacique Chianchón, wars and disease led to a catastrophic decline in the population, as was the case throughout New Granada. By 1560, only around 25,000 Indians remained, and by 1617, only 3,000, including 800 in the encomiendas near Guane.
Spaniards arrived on these lands, many attracted by an alleged apparition of the Virgin in 1701. By the mid-18th century, the area was populated by whites and mestizos, who formed a village on land donated by Francisco Pradilla, and in 1742 succeeded in building the parish of Barichara and appointing a priest. Barichara, also called “Bahey shela” in the Guane dialect, means“place of rest“.
The population grew and prospered. In 1778, 1,000 Indians (including many mestizos) and a few whites lived in Guane and the resguardo lands, where they grew corn, vegetables and fruit, especially bananas, and around 1,400 Spaniards (including a few mestizos) lived in Barichara, where they raised cattle and grew sugar cane.
Key moments: revolutions and development
Over the following centuries, Barichara witnessed a number of significant events that helped shape its destiny. During the colonial period, the village prospered thanks to textile production andmining in the surrounding area.
In the 19th century, Barichara was the scene of political upheavals linked to Colombia’s wars of independence from Spanish rule. In 1810, the village actively supported the independence movement, and in 1821 it was officially freed from the Spanish yoke. However, this period of independence was also marked by internal conflicts and power struggles.
For most of the 20th century, Barichara enjoyed a period of relative stability, but its traditional economy faced challenges from increasing urbanization and emigration to the big cities. Nevertheless, the village has managed to preserve its cultural and architectural heritage, making it one of Colombia’s most popular tourist destinations.
Modern evolution: tourism and conservation
Barichara is built entirely of stone, where the pinkish yellow of the cut stone stands out in its streets, houses, temples, parks and cemetery. Its 18th-century Andalusian-style colonial architecture is perfectly preserved, characterized by large adobe houses, clay tiles, white facades adorned with beautiful balconies, and wooden doors and windows. The village was declared Colombia’s most beautiful village in 1975, a national monument in 1978 and a Heritage Village in 2010.
Barichara has become a prime destination for cultural, nature and wellness tourism, offering a variety of hotels, restaurants, galleries, boutiques, itineraries, guides and experiences. Its rich cultural heritage, illustrated by traditions such as weaving, guane pottery, tapia pisada construction, stone carving and ancestral cuisine, is highly appreciated by visitors, students, designers and craftsmen, who come to discover and acquire these products, thus helping to preserve this precious heritage.
Barichara has also undergone economic revitalization efforts aimed at diversifying its sources of income and supporting local communities. Sustainable development projects, such asagritourism and traditional handicrafts, have been promoted to create economic opportunities while preserving the region’s natural and cultural resources.
What to see and do in Barichara
In Barichara
Within the village of Barichara, visitors can discover a multitude of historical, cultural and architectural treasures that add to the charm of this emblematic destination. Small museums and artisans (some with a social purpose) dot the village, which also has a place for artists. Here are just a few of the must-see places to explore within the village of Barichara:
GUIDES & AGENCIES
Barichara Travel offers guided tours in and around Barichara. Culture, tradition and adventure!
Parque Principal
The Parque Principal is the beating heart of Barichara, surrounded by well-preserved colonial buildings and lined with shady benches. It’s the ideal place to relax, observe local life and savor the village’s tranquil atmosphere, with its many cafés.
Church of Santa Bárbara
The restored 17th-century Romanesque church in yellow stone features a magnificent polychrome wooden altarpiece. The altar features sculptures of turtles and the sun, symbolizing domestic piety. The chapel is located in the upper part of Barichara, overlooking the entire town.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Barichara’s Church of the Immaculate Conception, dating from 1838, boasts a facade of carved stone in changing hues, a remarkable feature. This cathedral is built entirely of yellow stone, and as you enter, you’ll notice that its unique architecture harmonizes with its gold-leaf-covered altar.
Parque Monolito de Piedra
A small park on the outskirts of the village, not far from the Salto del Mico viewpoint. A paved road with well-landscaped flowerbeds and a monolith. Although it’s not very big and not surprising either, it’s a good crossing point between the miradors to the west of the village, especially in sunny weather, illuminating the pinkish stone.
Rue des miradors
Calle 1 (Street 1), and its extension outside the village to the west, offers several miradors with beautiful views of the Río Suarez Cañon. From the Salto del Mico mirador to the south of the village, the Barichara mirador in the middle of the village, and the los Italianos mirador to the north, just a few minutes from the village center!
Bioparque Móncora
The Bioparque Móncora is a 6-hectare site belonging to the Associación Aquileo Parra. Launched in 2009, it raises young people’s awareness of local ecology. The trails offer beautiful views and are ideal for bird, flower and insect watching. There are 1,100 metres of footpaths.
Museo Aquileo Parra & Centro Dia
Aquileo Parra Gómez, a native of Barichara, governed the United States of Colombia between 1876 and 1878. You can explore his home (living room, bedroom, kitchen, corridor and patio with objects and utensils from the period). Today, there is a “Taller Centro Dia” crafts workshop for the elderly, where the tradition of fique (Andean plant) weaving is kept alive.
2,000 COP / person
Mon. to Fri. 7.30am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 5pm / Sat. 8am to 1pm and 3pm to 5pm / Sun. 10am to 12pm and 3pm to 5pm.
Museo de la Cerámica
The Ceramics Museum, inaugurated in 2015, houses a private collection belonging to Mrs. Dalita Navarro, wife of President Belisario Betancur. It exhibits the works of Dalita and other Colombian and international artists, as well as those of graduates of the school-workshop. Admission revenues support the Escuela Taller. Guest artists also exhibit their work.
Free
Mon. to Sat. 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm / DIm. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Museo Casa del quijote
This museum pays tribute to the classic literary work “Don Quixote” by Miguel de Cervantes. This house museum offers visitors the chance to discover the history and influence of this famous novel, as well as art exhibitions and cultural events linked to its theme.
Prices and times unknown
Parque de las Artes
It’s a picturesque park featuring elaborate fountains (although out of order at the time of our visit), sculptures created by local artists, and an open-air amphitheater that occasionally hosts live concerts. It offers magnificent views over the surrounding valley.
Free
Taller del Papel
El Taller de Papel was founded in 2001 with the aim of making sustainable, aesthetically pleasing handmade paper from plant fibers such as fique and pineapple. The Taller brings together the community of Barichara, uses local materials and respects Santander’s botanical and artistic traditions, while encouraging the participation of nine female heads of household.
8,000 COP / person
By reservation: fslbarichara@gmail.com / (+57) 318 725 6118
Around Barichara
Around the village of Barichara, Colombia, you’ll find a host of interesting activities to discover, including hiking. Here are a few suggestions.
Caminos reales: “caminos reales” refer to the ancient royal roads or main routes used during the colonial period in Spanish America for communication and transport between the colonies and remote regions. Today, many “caminos reales” have become hiking trails or tourist routes. The roads around Barichara, traced by the indigenous Guanes, were later used by colonizing troops and, around 1860, by foreigners such as the German Geo Von Lengerke, who turned them into trade routes for tobacco, cotton, cinchona, hats and gold. Typically, visitors hike the trail on the outward journey, then take a bus (or cab) to the destination village to return to Barichara.
Camino Real a Guane
The Guane royal road, starting near the Bolivar monument in Barichara, is built of flat stone slabs, some with fossil remains. Along the Rio Suarez canyon, hikers can enjoy panoramic views. This is the easiest hike.
Free, easily done alone with Google Maps or Maps.me
Distance: 5.5km / Duration (one way): 2h / Difficulty: easy
Camino Real a Cabrera
This 8.5km route from Barichara attracts national and international trekkers, drawn by the physical effort and picturesque scenery. Cabrera, nicknamed the “Posada de Puertas Abiertas”, is nestled in the valleys of the Suárez and Fonce rivers.
Free, easily done alone with Google Maps or Maps.me
Distance: 8.5km / Time (one way): 3h30 / Difficulty: medium
Camino Real a Villanueva
From Barichara, at a distance of 8.2 kilometers, following the Caucho path up to Alto del Viento, where a panoramic view of the canyon is offered, it is possible to follow part of the Camino Real to Villanueva.
Free, easily done alone with Google Maps or Maps.me
Distance: 8.2km / Time (one way): 3h / Difficulty: medium
Guane is a village similar to Barichara (preserved colonial architecture, cobbled streets and tranquil ambience), but much smaller. It takes just 2 hours to get around. Places of interest include the viewpoint, the main square and the archaeological museum.
Public transport runs from the main squares of Barichara and Guane.
Chicamocha National Park (more)*
The Chicamocha Canyon is a spectacular gorge, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Colombia”. Carved out by the Chicamocha River, the canyon offers breathtaking scenery. It’s a national park ideal for trekking and extreme sports.
Can be carried out via a tour or independently.
There’s also a park with restaurants and viewpoints.
The Juan Curi cascade is a 180m waterfall located near San Gil. Nestled in the heart of a tropical forest, this waterfall is a beautiful natural setting for a swim. Canyoning and zip-lining are also available. Restaurant on site.
12,000 COP / person
Monday to Sunday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Extreme sports
The area around San Gil is renowned for its extreme sports enthusiasts, who are spoilt for choice: white-water rafting, paragliding, canyoning, zip-lining, mountain biking, climbing, caving and bungee jumping.
From 70,000 to 270,000 COP / person depending on activity
To be done with a specialized agency
*To avoid wasting too much time in transport, and money (especially on a tour), it is advisable to do your activities or discover these places from the nearby town of San Gil.
GUIDES & AGENCIES
Barichara Travel offers guided tours in and around Barichara. Culture, tradition and adventure!
How to get to Barichara ?
Barichara is only accessible by public transport from the nearby villa of San Gil, 23km away. There are no direct flights from cities such as Armenia, Bogotá, Cartagena, Cali, Medellín or Santa Marta.
The nearest airport to Barichara is Bucaramanga Airport (BGA), 54.9 km away.
Getting to Barichara from San Gil
| Companies | Cotrasangil, etc. |
| Departure | Approximately every 30 minutes from 06:15 to 20:30 |
| Departure point | Terminalito de San Gil (inside the city, not the terminal outside) |
| Arrival | Parque Principal de Barichara |
| Duration | Approx. 45 minutes |
| Route type | Direct |
| Price (one-way) | 7,600 COP / person |
Getting to Barichara from Bucaramanga
1. Bus from Bucaramanga to San Gil
Company: Copetran, Transsander, Cotrasangil
Departures: every 45 minutes on average from 2:15 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Departure point: Bucaramanga transport terminal
Arrival: Bucaramanga transport terminal (not to be confused with the terminalito)
Duration: 03h00
Price (one-way): COP 27,000 – 30,000 / person
2. Bus from San Gil to Barichara
Departures: approximately every 30 minutes from 05:00 to 18:45
Departure point: Terminalito de San Gil (inside the city, not the terminal outside)
Arrival : Parque Principal de Barichara
Duration: Approx. 45 minutes
Price (one-way): COP 5,000 – 6,000 / person
Getting to Barichara from Villa de Leyva
1. Bus from Villa de Leyva to Tunja
Company: Transportes Los Muiscas – Transporte La Reina – La Verde – Flota Sugamuxi – Cootrachica – Coomultransvilla – Autoboy
Departures: frequent departures from 05h to 20h
Departure point: Villa de leyva, bus terminal
Arrival: Tunja, Terminal de transporte Terrestre Juana Velasco de Gallo
Duration: about 1 hour
Price (one-way): 8,000 – 12,000 COP / person
2. Bus from Tunja to San Gil
Company: Copetran, Concorde, Flota Sugamuxi (Libertadores), etc.
Departure: every hour on average from 00:30 to 23:30
Departure point: Tunja, Terminal de transporte Terrestre Juana Velasco de Gallo
Arrival: San Gil, transport terminal (not to be confused with terminalito)
Duration: about 05h00
Price (one-way): COP 50,000 – 60,000 / person
3. Bus from San Gil to Barichara
Departures: approximately every 30 minutes from 05:00 to 18:45
Departure point: Terminalito de San Gil (inside the city, not the terminal outside)
Arrival : Parque Principal de Barichara
Duration: Approx. 45 minutes
Price (one-way): COP 5,000 – 6,000 / person
Where to stay in Barichara?
We recommend staying in the heart of the village to fully appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and colonial architecture. Barichara offers a wide selection of accommodation to suit all budgets, thanks to its well-established tourist character. Of course, you won’t find any 5-star hotels or palaces, but there are charming hotels with a dozen or so rooms and carefully decorated and serviced colonial buildings, as well as more economical options such as budget hotels and youth hostels.
$ – Economical budgeting
Hostal
Casa Nacuma
Run by Camilo, this small hostel has a peaceful, family atmosphere, with 4-bed dormitories or private rooms. Camilo is also full of good advice for a top stay.
$ – Economical budgeting
Hostal
NOMAD Hostal
Guests praise the peaceful setting in the heart of nature (2 km outside the village), the warm welcome from the staff, the comfort, the beauty of the location, the delicious food and the excellent value for money.
$$ – Average budget
Hotel
Achiotte by Masaya
Well-located hotel with friendly French-speaking staff, comfortable rooms, delicious breakfast and refreshing pool, perfect for recharging your batteries.
$$ – Average budget
Hotel
Hotel Casa del Marques de Bahiachala
Small hotel in a well-kept colonial house with a lovely patio for breakfast. Rooms are simple but clean and rather spacious.
$$$ – High budget
Hotel
Posada del Campanario
Superb hotel in a typical house, perfectly refurbished and subtly decorated, 1min from the main square, but still quiet. The local breakfast is fantastic.
$$$ – High budget
Hotel
Casa Guatí
Beautiful, fairly recent hotel on the outskirts of Barichara (10 minutes from the center), with a swimming pool and lovely views. Very good restaurant and attentive staff offering a number of activities/tours (extra charge).
Where to eat in Barichara
The restaurants in this beautiful village offer much more than just tasty food. They truly capture the essence of Barichara culture, blending tradition, innovation and a passion for local cuisine. Whether you prefer a small family-run boui-boui or a chic resto with inventive fusion cuisine, there’s something for everyone, and it’s well worth getting carried away by the local flavors. The range of restaurants on offer, especially good gourmet restaurants, is surprisingly large for such a small, isolated village.
Hormigas culonas: Hormigas culonas, literally big-ass ants, are a Colombian culinary delicacy made from grilled or fried giant ants (Atta laevigata). Consumed mainly in the Santander and Tolima regions, they are prized for their crunchy flavor and high protein content. Traditionally, they are harvested during the rainy season. We tried them, and the taste is like a mix of chocolate and roasted peanuts!
