Visit Barichara, an outstandingly authentic town in Colombia 

Barichara, Colonial Jewel of Colombia

The department of Santander, located in the north of the country, is home to one of the most famous villages in Colombia, Barichara. The rich colonial heritage of this municipality is one of the highlights of a trip to Colombia. It is indeed a traditional and well-preserved architecture therefore guaranteeing a complete change of scenery in a lovely setting. Moreover, Barichara has charming boutique hotels as well as plenty of restaurants offering delicious and abundant local cuisine. In addition, the town is home to authentic craft workshops where different materials are used. The region is a great place for cultural tourism, as well as adventure tourist activities, and ecotourism. A wide range of activities, landscapes, and experiences is offered to travellers, thus, one cannot miss to visit Barichara while in the region.

Natural attractions of Barichara

Most travellers visiting Barichara take the opportunity to hike to Guane. Following the Camino Real trail, one reaches this village whose name refers to the pre-Columbian ethnic group that occupied the area. After passing through some of the most beautiful Colombian landscapes, you will have the opportunity to visit this quiet little town, where the main attraction is the paleontological museum that was founded by the cleric Isaias Ardilas Diaz.

Once this tour completed, a tuk-tuk will take you back to Barichara. Just before entering the town, a side road leads to a residential area. On the edge of this road, theres is a cliff dominating a precipice. This place is called Mirador Salto del Mico, one of the various viewpoints overlooking the valley. However, this one has the particularity of providing a sensational photo moment as tourits come here to stand on a rock pointing towards the void.

Culinary heritage of Barichara

The department of Santander has without a doubt one of the richest gastronomic traditions in Colombia. Regional dishes such as Mute, Pepitora, or the delicious Carne Oreada are served in abundance. However, one culinary tradition stands out for its originality.

The famous Hormigas Culonas, a delicacy dating back to pre-colonial times, are nothing other than ants from which the rear part has been detached and then grilled dry.

Visit to Barichara, Artisanal Tradition

Within the urban area of Barichara, there are various establishments where you can pay a visit to local craftsmen. Paper, textiles, ceramics, or even tobacco, you will find various workshops making all kinds of objects and thus discovering the handicraft heritage of the region.

For a more extensive visit to Barichara and its region, you can also go to San Gil, famous for its extreme sports and outdoor activities, or to Curiti, also famous for its handicrafts made from Fique.  Two destinations that we will have the opportunity to discuss in a separate article…

If you wish to visit Barichara or any other region of Colombia, do not hesitate: