Barichara:
Colombia's Best Kept Secret (For Now)Our Magazine
Barichara is a colonial village in the Colombian Andes that is one of the most stunning and best preserved in South America – just one reason it’s a favorite of our founder and Colombia expert Joe Sandillo.
Even better – it’s still largely untouched by international tourism!
The atmosphere is unmistakable on arrival – cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings with red tile roofs, and tree-lined plazas filled with incredibly friendly locals. Next thing you know, you’re at a lookout over the neighboring canyon. It’s truly as if you’ve stepped back in time, but there’s so more to do here than just snap photos of the incredible architecture for your Instagram and Facebook!
Culture, Arts & Food
Barichara has a long and rich artisan tradition – there are several hundred of them in a town of less than 8,000 inhabitants! Stone working is particularly strong, given the wealth of raw materials in the region and the centuries-old apprentice system, but you’ll also find artisans in ceramics, textiles, paper and more. We can get you into some of their workshops, and also show you the town’s best boutique craft shops for that something special. For foodies, we’ll pair you with one of our favorite local restaurant owners to hit the market and then spend some time learning about (and preparing) the cuisine of the Santander region.
Activities for Light Adventurers to Adrenaline Junkies
Barichara is also the ideal base for incredible active options given its location on the edge of the spectacular canyon and not far from San Gil and the stunning Chicamocha canyon. Whether you are looking for light adventure or an adrenaline rush, there’s something for everyone – hikes of 2-6 hours, horseback riding, paragliding and whitewater rafting in the canyon, rappelling, mountain biking, and even exploring a remote and beautiful “ghost” town with less than 900 inhabitants.
The variety of outdoor and cultural activities, shopping and relaxed pace in Barichara and the surrounding region make this an ideal and flexible destination for families and groups of friends.
Charming Lodging
And at the end of each day, you can count on resting your head in a comfortable B&B or private villa that we have hand-picked for our guests.
Just One Part of Your Colombia Journey
Barichara can be easily combined with Bogota, Medellin and/or Cartagena and the coast via Bucaramanga airport, reachable by 3-hour drive or private plane!
Check out our sample Barichara itinerary for further inspiration and then reach out to start planning your Colombia getaway.