Visit Chicamocha National Park: Colombia’s largest canyon

The immensity of the Chicamocha canyon, with its average depth of 2,000 metres, offers an unrivalled natural spectacle. This colossal natural formation is the largest canyon in Colombia and one of the deepest on the planet, stretching beneath immense skies and semi-desert landscapes. Paragliding flights allow you to appreciate the canyon’s majestic beauty. What’s more, the park is an ideal setting for reconnecting with nature and enjoying sporting and cultural activities. Conceived as an ecotourism and cultural enhancement initiative, Chicamocha National Park combines this geological grandeur with the rich heritage of Santander, between the towns of San Gil (and Barichara) and Bucaramanga.

The singular geology and rich biodiversity of the Chicamocha Canyon have made it an ecological and cultural landmark in the region. What’s more, the park’s themed plazas, viewpoints and ecological trails reflect Santander’s architecture and traditions, fusing natural grandeur with local identity. Each sunset tints the canyon walls, transforming the landscape into a living tableau that promises visitors an unforgettable experience and a deep connection with the very essence of Colombia.

The canyon of Chicamocha (Cañón del Chicamocha) is one of Colombia’s most impressive geographical features: a valley deeply eroded by the Chicamocha river, which flows mainly through the department of Santander and stretches for several hundred kilometers, forming one of the most impressive landscapes in Colombia.

History and human culture

The canyon has been inhabited since ancient times by indigenous peoples (Guanes, Laches, Yariguíes, Muiscas) who used it as a trade corridor. They cultivated coca and other useful plants, and left behind cave paintings and troglodyte paths.

The name “Chicamocha” has a poetic meaning: in the Guane language, it translates as “silver thread on a full-moon night in the Cordillera”.

In colonial times, these trails were widened by the enslaved indigenous workforce. Today, the Chicamocha is a regional symbol: it has been preselected as one of the “7 natural wonders” and a UNESCO candidacy is underway, supported by geological, archaeological and ecological studies.

Geography and landscapes

The Chicamocha Canyon is a spectacular geological formation located mainly in the department of Santander, in northeastern Colombia, with a small section extending into the department of Boyacá. Shaped by the millennia-old action of the Chicamocha River, the canyon is some 227 kilometers long and, in places, reaches depths of almost 2,000 metres, making it one of the deepest canyons in South America – even deeper than Colorado’s famous Grand Canyon at some points.

The width of the canyon varies considerably: in its narrowest sections, it measures just a few hundred meters, while in the most open areas, it stretches for more than 20 kilometers. Its steep walls and vertical cliffs create impressive panoramas, with hues ranging from the bright green of the vegetation to the ochre and red of the rocks. Please note: contrary to popular belief, Chicamocha Canyon is not the second largest canyon in the world.

The Chicamocha River rises in Tuta (Boyacá) and winds its way through rugged terrain before joining the Rio Suárez and then the Magdalena, Colombia’s major river artery. Along the way, it has sculpted a landscape of narrow gorges, natural terraces and suspended valleys.

The region is dominated by the Cordillera Oriental de los Andes, and the canyon forms a monumental gash in this mountain range. Its slopes offer a rare diversity of topography:

• Low-lying areas are hot and arid, with sparse vegetation adapted to drought.
• The higher elevations enjoy a more temperate climate and are home to agricultural crops such as coffee, tobacco and sugar cane.

Finally, the canyon plays an essential hydrological role: it captures rainwater and meltwater from the Andean peaks and channels them into the Magdalena basin. It is also a natural corridor for biodiversity, linking mountain ecosystems with low-lying tropical zones.

The local climate is hot and very dry: temperatures typically range from 11°C at night to 32°C during the day, depending on altitude. In Colombia, the average temperature drops by around 6°C for every 1,000 m of ascent. Rainfall is concentrated in two seasons (April-June and September-November), while the dry season (December-March) is very sunny. Intense sunshine, combined with poorly consolidated soils, favours advanced erosion of the slopes.

In this dry tropical climate, the landscape is spectacular: eroded ochre and blue-grey walls, sparse vegetation at the bottom of the canyon, and greener areas on the upper plateaus (cloud forests, páramos). There are a number of strategic vantage points from which to admire the gorge: the Mesa de los Santos, for example, offers a breathtaking view. National Route 45A from Bucaramanga to San Gil crosses the canyon, and the Panachi National Park cable car (6.3 km, inaugurated in 2009) links the two sides.

Nature (flora and fauna)

The Chicamocha Canyon is home to a surprising biodiversity, given its often dry climate and rugged terrain. The combination of altitude variations, intense sunshine and microclimates has given rise to unique ecosystems where species typical of arid zones and tropical Andes cohabit.

Flora: adaptations to a dry climate

The canyon’s vegetation is dominated by species adapted to drought and poor soils, forming a semi-arid landscape punctuated by greener areas along streams and on better-exposed slopes.

• Xerophilous plants: candelabra cacti (Cereus spp.), prickly pears (Opuntia ficus-indica) and agaves, with their sculptural forms, are omnipresent in low-lying areas.
• Hardy shrubs and bushes: guayacán (Tabebuia chrysantha) brightens up the dry season with its yellow flowers, while dividivi (Caesalpinia coriaria) provides shade and fodder for animals.
• Transitional zones: as you climb towards the plateaus, coffee trees, fruit trees (mango, guava) and food crops appear, testifying to agriculture adapted to the slopes.

Some of these plants are traditionally used by local communities for food, medicine and handicrafts, making the flora part of the canyon’s cultural heritage.

Fauna: diversity and emblematic species

Despite the sometimes extreme conditions, the canyon is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including several endemic and endangered species.

• Birds: this is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 200 recorded species. Among them, the azure-tailed hummingbird(Amazilia cyanura), the blue-fronted parrot(Amazona aestiva), and the impressive Andean condor(Vultur gryphus), symbol of Colombia.
• Mammals: the nine-banded armadillo(Dasypus novemcinctus), white-tailed deer(Odocoileus virginianus) and red howler monkey(Alouatta seniculus) are sometimes seen in wooded areas.
• Reptiles and amphibians: iguanas, colorful lizards and stream frogs testify to the fauna’s adaptation to the diversity of microclimates.

The cliffs and rocky areas also provide refuge for small colonies of bats and rock birds.

Chicamocha National Park (Panachi)

The Chicamocha (Panachi) National Park, inaugurated in 2006, was created on the initiative of the Santander government to promote ecotourism and canyon preservation. Located on the Mesa de los Santos, in a strategic position offering incomparable panoramic views, the park covers 264 hectares and was designed as a tourist, cultural and recreational complex combining entertainment and environmental education.

Within the park, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities:

• Ecological trails for observing vegetation adapted to the dry tropical climate and spotting endemic bird species.
• Museums and cultural exhibitions, including a pavilion dedicated to the history of the Guane indigenous peoples and Andean colonization.
• Place des Drapeaux and Monument to the “Santandereanidad”, an impressive sculpture symbolizing the identity and resistance of the Santandereano people.
• Zones for extreme sports such as paragliding, abseiling, climbing and zip-lining, taking advantage of the canyon’s spectacular geography.
• Panoramic lookouts equipped with platforms and binoculars to admire the full grandeur of the landscape.

The heart of Panachi, however, is its cable car, inaugurated in 2009 and considered one of the longest in the world. With a 6.3 km run and a journey time of around 30 minutes, it links the upper part of the park to the hamlet of Río Jordán on the other side of the canyon, crossing a vertical drop of over 1,200 metres. Its cabins, designed to withstand winds and sudden temperature changes, offer an exceptional aerial view of the vertical walls, the Chicamocha River and traditional agricultural terraces.

Panachi theme park

Chicamocha National Park doesn’t refer to a vast natural area like the country’s other national parks. The protected area is small (264 hectares), but refers to the theme park known as Panachi.

The park comprises 4 distinct zones, access to which is subject to the purchase of a pass that may or may not include one or more zones:

• Parc Panachi: The heart of the resort, Parc National de Chicamocha (Panachi), stretches across the Mesa de los Santos and offers breathtaking views of the canyon’s immensity. There are lookout points, museums, cultural exhibitions, and opportunities for activities (at an additional cost) such as abseiling, buggying, paragliding, and more. The park also boasts several restaurants and fast-food outlets.

• Cable car: Inaugurated in 2009, the Panachi cable car is one of the park’s star attractions. At 6.3 km in length, it links the upper part of the park to the Mesa de los Santos, crossing the canyon over a 1,200 m vertical drop. The 15-minute ride offers spectacular views of the dizzying walls, the bed of the Río Chicamocha and the terraced farmlands, in a breathtaking setting.

• Water park (Acuaparque): Ideal for cooling off after a day’s exploration, the Acuaparque Panachi offers pools, slides and fun zones for young and old alike. Located right next to the main park, it combines relaxation with canyon views, allowing you to enjoy the water while admiring the breathtaking natural landscape.

• Cerro del Santísimo: Around 40 minutes from Bucaramanga, Cerro del Santísimo is an extension of the Panachi tourism project. This site is home to a monumental 37-metre statue of Christ, visible for miles around. Accessed by a shorter cable car, the summit offers an exceptional panorama of the metropolis of Bucaramanga and the Cordillera Oriental. This site is NOT located with the other 3 mentioned above.

Our experience

Visiting the splendid Santander region, we spent a few days in San Gil, the ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding area. The town itself, though lively, doesn’t shine for its beauty or architectural charm, but it’s a convenient crossroads for exploring the surrounding area. And how can you resist the call of Colombia’s largest canyon?

From San Gil, it’s easy to get to Chicamocha National Park – better known as Panachi Park. Just head for the terminalito, located near the center (not to be confused with the main terminal on the outskirts). Buses leave regularly, and in just over an hour, the winding road already skirts the canyon, offering a breathtaking foretaste of its majesty.

The arrival is surprising: in the middle of nowhere, the theme park emerges, divided on either side of the main road, isolated from any other construction. For our visit, we opted for the Pasaporte Panachi + Teleférico, leaving aside the water park – rather modest and designed more for families than for travellers in search of thrills or panoramic views.

During the week and at opening time, we were lucky enough to avoid any queues, enjoying a full day bathed in sunshine… and heat! Needless to say, a good supply of water is a must. The essence of the park lies in its watchtowers, scattered here and there, offering vertiginous views of the depths of the canyon. Some of the views alone are worth the trip. We found the other attractions, which are often subject to additional charges, to be of secondary importance.

The cable car, on the other hand, is a must. Suspended above the Río Umpalá, gliding slowly from one side to the other, we enjoyed this unique crossing. At the finish line, there was almost nothing but a grandiose view of the entire canyon and, in the distance, the park from which we had just come. The solid, well-maintained infrastructure inspires confidence, despite the slight jolts that add even a hint of adventure.

Back on the main side, lunch is a must. Between small restaurants and fast-food stands, the choice is simple but sufficient to regain your strength before bidding a final farewell to the Chicamocha.

As we headed back to San Gil, one thing was certain: we’d be back. This time, to experience the thrills of rafting and paragliding, and to discover the canyon from its tumultuous waters or buoyant winds. There’s no doubt that we’ll be amazed once again.

Opening hours

Panachi Park opening times :

• Wednesday to Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Cable car timetable :

• Wednesday to Friday: the ropeway operates in time slots from 10:30 to 11:00 am – 12:30 to 1:00 pm – 2:30 to 3:00 pm – 4:30 to 5:00 pm – At weekends, the ropeway operates continuously.
• Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: continuous operation from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Water park opening times (acuaparque) :

• Wednesday to Friday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cerro del Santísimo opening times :

• Wednesday to Friday: 3 pm to 9 pm
• Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Price

The park offers different pasaportes, depending on the areas you wish to visit. We recommend the “Pasaporte Panachi + Teleférico”, which allows you to admire the canyon from several vantage points. The cost is considerable, but the cable car offers a truly memorable experience.

Tickets can be purchased online via the official website, or directly from the box office (payment in cash or by credit card).

Additional activities

Once inside the park, additional activities such as those listed below are available at extra cost. Depending on the activity chosen, certain restrictions may apply (minimum age, minimum height, minimum weight, etc.).

Excluding Panachi theme park

While Panachi Park is ideal for enjoying the canyon in a calm, effortless way, there are also plenty of activities available outside the park for those who want to discover the canyon from different angles (and who like extreme sports).

Rafting

The Chicamocha Canyon not only impresses with its breathtaking scenery: it’s also a destination of choice for adrenaline junkies. With its sheer walls and endless vistas, the Rio Chicamocha offers one of the most spectacular settings for rafting in Colombia.

The river meanders along the canyon floor with fast and varied currents. The most popular sections for rafting feature class II to IV rapids, challenging enough for adventurers looking for action, but accessible to beginners, provided they are accompanied by certified guides.

Most excursions depart from San Gil, considered Colombia’s adventure tourism capital, about 50 minutes from the canyon. Local agencies offer packages including transport, safety equipment (lifejackets, helmets, paddles), prior briefing and supervision by professional guides.

The dry season (December to March and July to September) is ideal, as the river level is more stable; in the rainy season (April to June), the rapids are more powerful, making the experience even more intense. The trip lasts around 7 to 9 hours (including travel, lunch/snack breaks, etc.). Prices start from 300,000 COP per person.

Paragliding

Chicamocha Canyon is also renowned as a top paragliding spot thanks to its perfect weather conditions: steady winds, clear skies and pleasant temperatures all year round.

From the air, you can clearly make out the vertiginous walls of grey-tinted rock strata, sculpted by millions of years of erosion. Below, the sparkling Chicamocha River meanders between the cliffs, bordered by small beaches and terraced crops clinging to the slopes. Villages with red-tiled roofs, such as Jordán or Cepitá, nestled in the canyon, can sometimes be glimpsed, as can the mule trails that climb up to the Mesa de los Santos. All this unfolds in an infinite panorama, with the Andean peaks and shifting cloud shadows in the distance.

Local operators offer tandem flights with professional pilots, meaning no previous experience is necessary. After a briefing on safety and the basics of flying, you’ll be ready to take off from the slopes or plateaus overlooking the canyon.

Here, too, it’s easy to find service providers in the town of San Gil, who have their own take-off runways in different parts of the canyon. Flights last between 20 and 30 minutes, but it’s not uncommon for the pilot to indulge himself by going up to 40 minutes in ideal atmospheric conditions. The average cost of a classic discovery flight is between 220,000 and 250,000 COP per person.

Hiking

The Chicamocha Canyon, over 200 km long, is packed with hiking trails. It would be impossible to list them all, but here are a few of the most famous routes, located between San Gil and Bucaramanga. Some of the trails are the Caminos Reales, ancient paved paths built in colonial times in Colombia, mainly in the XVIIᵉ and XVIIIᵉ centuries, to connect Spanish villages, agricultural areas and administrative centers.

A guide is not required to explore Chicamocha Canyon. However, while some hikes can be carried out completely independently, they do require meticulous preparation and solid organizational experience.

You’ll need to take a number of things into account: knowing how to find your way in a natural environment that’s sometimes poorly signposted, anticipating means of transport (to reach the starting point and return to your accommodation, often located in San Gil or Barichara), possibly planning an overnight stay in the arrival village, and managing water, food and equipment.

These sparsely populated areas offer little in the way of tourist infrastructure, which enhances the sense of adventure but also demands a high degree of self-reliance. Access to trailheads is not always easy, and getting back can be just as complex. It’s best to be used to organizing this type of outing in isolated terrain, so you can get the most out of it in complete safety.

The Chicamocha Canyon is a gigantic natural site. For ease of reference and practical information, we’ll take as our reference point the Chicamocha National Park (Panachi theme park), the main tourist gateway. This is where you’ll find the infrastructure, flagship activities and panoramas most easily accessible to visitors.

Getting to Chicamocha (Panachi) National Park from San Gil

Getting to Chicamocha (Panachi) National Park from Bucaramanga

To visit Chicamocha National Park and its Panachi theme park, the cities of Bucaramanga and especially San Gil are excellent starting points. Both are directly linked to the park by regular bus services, making access easy and economical.

In our opinion, San Gil is the best option, not only for its proximity, but also for the wealth of activities on offer in the surrounding area: the charming colonial village of Barichara, the spectacular Juan Curí waterfall, or the many opportunities for adventure sports such as rafting, paragliding or caving. By choosing San Gil as your base, you’ll optimize your travels while enjoying a varied and dynamic holiday.

Barichara can also be considered as a stopover point, especially for travellers in search of tranquillity and authenticity. Bear in mind, however, that the journey to the park will require a little more organization: first you’ll need to take a bus between Barichara and San Gil, then another between San Gil and Chicamocha National Park.

San Gil

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Trip Monkey Origen

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Hostal Colombian Gold

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Hotel Santorini

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Hotel Boutique El Campanario

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Barichara

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Casa Nacuma

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Hotel Casa Blanca

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Achiotte by Masaya

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Hotel Casa del Marques de Bahiachala

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Posada del Campanario

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Casa Guatí

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