Is Barichara worth visiting? What is there to do? Where can I stay? Read on to find out

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder of course. How do you quantify what makes something – in this case a town- the “prettiest”? Well, this quaint heritage town in Colombia has been voted as the prettiest town in all the land on numerous occasions.

Colombia has so many stunningly beautiful places that are worth visiting. Barichara should probably be on your list.

Is Barichara Worth Visiting?

I certainly think so. Look, I love Bogota. But after a week or so in a big city it is nice to get away from that. You have lots of choices of smaller town. You could spend a few days in Villa de Leyva, which another gem that will help you recharge.

And you have Barichara.

Nestled in the heart of Santander, Colombia, lies a picturesque town that seems to have stepped out of a postcard and into reality – Barichara. This hidden gem, with its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and unparalleled charm, beckons travelers to embark on a journey back in time. I really feel that this town is an absolute must-visit backpacking destination for those seeking an authentic and enchanting Colombian experience.

Also See: The Best Things to Do In San Gil

How to Get to Barichara

Traveling to Barichara offers several transportation options depending on your starting point:

From Bogotá: Barichara is accessible via a 7-hour bus ride from Bogotá. Since it’s a small town, direct buses may not be available. Your best approach is to take a bus directly to San Gil and then switch to a connecting bus that reaches Barichara in approximately 40 minutes.

Read that again. 7 hours on a bus. And you are not going to get there direct. Hmmm. What about flying somewhere closer…

From Medellin: A bus from Medellin is even longer. About 9+ hours. So I think a flight to Bucaramanga is a better option to at least consider. A one way flight from Medellin looks to be about $55 USD. Flight prices will vary depending on the time of year of course.

From Bucaramanga: Alternatively, you can fly to Bucaramanga, Santander airport. As of this writing a one way ticket from Bogota to Bucaramanga costs about $35USD.

From Bucaramanga, head to the bus station to catch a direct bus to San Gil, which typically takes about 4 hours. Once in San Gil, board a 40-minute bus to reach Barichara. Occasionally, there might be a bus directly from Bucaramanga to Barichara, so inquire at the station for the most up-to-date information.

From San Gil: If you find yourself in San Gil, which is a popular backpacker town in Santander, you would get a short bus ride of approximately 40 minutes that will take you to Barichara. Simply head to the bus terminal, look for the designated bus, and enjoy a swift journey to this charming destination.

So getting to Barichara WILL take some planning and effort on your part.

Things To Do In Barichara

Okay. You made it to Barichara. Good job! Ummmm, now what. What is there to do?

In a few words: Chill out, slow down and just enjoy yourself.

As previously highlighted, Barichara stands out as an ideal retreat, enticing you to leisurely explore its charming cobblestone streets. Despite being popular among locals, the town retains an authentic ambiance, steering clear of the touristy traps commonly found elsewhere. Due to its somewhat secluded location, many international travelers tend to overlook this gem.

Nevertheless, if you find yourself with ample time to explore Colombia, I highly recommend including Barichara on your list of must-visit places. The town, although small and quaint, offers a unique charm that makes it well worth the detour. While the range of activities may be limited in this serene locale, you can still relish the following experiences

Hang Out in Parque Central Barichara

Similar to many Colombian towns, Barichara boasts its own charming town square. This park exudes a delightful and vibrant atmosphere, serving as a communal space where locals gather to relax and engage in conversations.

Grab a coffee, sit down and people watch.

Encircling the park, you’ll discover an array of amenities, including restaurants, souvenir shops, local handicraft stores, and a quaint church. Notably, this is also the designated drop-off point for buses arriving in the town.

Explore the Town

I love wandering around. I embrace the concept of “slow travel.”

While it may seem like an obvious recommendation, strolling through the streets of Barichara is a must, especially if you were drawn to this town by its captivating beauty in pictures. Barichara stands out as one of the most enchanting colonial towns I’ve encountered, adorned with charming cobblestone streets and vibrant doors and window shutters.

Each street presents a picture-perfect scene, and the town’s small size makes it easy to navigate without the fear of getting lost. So, take your time and leisurely wander through the streets—there’s no need to rush in this picturesque haven

Head to Salto del Mico Viewpoint

A must-visit location during your exploration of Barichara, the Salto del Mico Mirador, or viewpoint, offers an unmissable experience. Whether you choose to witness the sunset from this vantage point or perch at the edge of the rocks to marvel at the Suarez Canyon and River below, the scenery is nothing short of breathtaking. Just be careful if you are one of the brave souls who wants to sit on the edge of the rocks!

There is another place to enjoy a spectacular view,

Locals fondly refer to it as El Mirador, and it offers spectacular views of the Chicamocha Canyon, which happens to be the second-largest canyon globally. I definitely recommend checking it out.

Hike the Camino Real Trail

A highly recommended activity in Barichara is to traverse the Camino Real, a popular hiking route leading from Barichara to the quaint village of Guane, and further on to Villanueva or the Chicamocha Canyon, depending on your time and enthusiasm for multi-day trekking adventures.

The journey to Guane spans an easy 9 kilometers, predominantly downhill, making it a relaxed 2-hour hike. The path offers a scenic and enjoyable route. If you’re planning to return to Barichara, you have the option to either hike back or take a convenient bus ride from Guane to Barichara.

Explore the Churches

I am in no way a religious person. But I do love the architecture and history of churches and cathedrals.

As you wander through the town, take the time to appreciate the beauty of several chapels, each showcasing exquisite architecture. Make sure not to overlook La Capilla de San Antonio and Capilla de Santa Barbara. If they happen to be open, step inside to admire the interiors.

And on this theme why not….

Explore The Cemetery

Yup. I have always enjoyed exploring a cemetery. Morbid? Maybe.

While it might not appeal to everyone, a visit to the cemetery is a unique experience that many town visitors undertake.

Tourists often pause to appreciate the personalized tombstones adorned with intricate carvings. It gives me a sense of my own mortality maybe.

Places to Stay in Barichara

A lot of backpackers will probably stay in San Gil and do a day trip to Barichara. I think it is worth staying for at least a night. Sure there is a lot “to do”. But that is kind of the point. Of course this all depends on your backpacking style, what activities you are into and how much time you have to spend in Colombia as a whole.

You should consider NOMAD Hostel for a hostel experience in Barichara. As of this writing a dorm room is about $9USD and it looks very, very nice.

A Great Place to Travel Slowly

So, is Barichara worth visiting. I certainly think so. It takes a bit of effort to get there. But all things worth doing take some work don’t they?

Barichara stands as a testament to Colombia’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. With its timeless architecture, cobblestone streets, and a palpable sense of tranquility, this town offers a unique and immersive experience for every traveler. A visit to Barichara is not just a journey through space; it’s a journey through time, a chance to step into the past and savor the enduring allure of Colombia’s cultural treasures. Make sure to include Barichara on your travel itinerary – a destination that promises to etch memories that will last a lifetime.