All about Barichara
About Barichara
This beautiful colonial town is located 120 km from Bucaramanga, in the region of Santander. Barichara is 1300 meters above sea level and is home to some 10,000 people. The setting is impressive, in the mountains on the edge of the Chicamocha Canyon, also called the “Grand Canyon” of Colombia. San Gil – Colombia’s hotspot for adventure sports-, is 20km away. The village was named a cultural heritage site in 1978. With its cobbled streets, pretty houses, churches and squares, atmospheric Barichara is a feast for the eyes. Perhaps you know the village from the episode of Who is the Mole, where the contestants cruised the narrow streets on a tuk tuk. Its colonial architecture inspired more filmmakers, such as the makers of the Disney film Encanto, which won an Oscar in 2022 .
Here you will find everything about Barichara, the best things to do, the nicest hotels and the best restaurants.
Fun things to do in Barichara
6 tips
1. Explore the streets at your leisure
By far the most enjoyable activity, is simply taking your time and exploring the (steep) streets. Along the way you can take a rest in Parque de las Artes, admire one of the churches, browse around one of the many stores where artisans are at work and grab a bite to eat in the good restaurants.
2. Do the hike from Barichara to Guane
In about 2 hours you walk along a 5km long old footpath (mostly downhill) right through nature. Along the way you can spot birds and…crossing cows! In Guane you can look around and do some food and drink, before catching a tuk tuk to Barichara.
3. Enjoy the view at Salto del Mico
One of the most beautiful vantage points in the Santander region and the Instagram hotspot par excellence. You can walk there, or take a tuk-tuk.
photo @ Redbus
4. Attend a workshop
There are numerous studios and workshops, where artisans and women are happy to show you how they work. For example, you can visit the Taller de Papel de Barichara, learn to make paper from the “fique” plant
5. Book a sports tour
Fans of outdoor sports can book a trip to go mountain biking, rafting, or paragliding over the Chicamocha Gorge. The Barichara area also offers beautiful horseback riding. Also check out the travel guide San Gil for more info.
photo @ parapente San Gil
6. Try the local cuisine
Specialties in the region include cabrito (baby goat) and the arepa Santandereana, a traditional arepa to which cassava and pork are added. Surprisingly, are fried ants (hormigas culonas) the greatest delicacy. The ants are roasted and salted and then packaged. Around Easter the “season” begins (until June) and especially then you can find the hormigas in many stores.
Restaurants in Barichara
In Barichara you can eat very well. There is a wide choice of restaurants for such a small town. At the beginning of the week, many restaurants are closed.
ELVIA Cocina local
One of the best restaurants in Barichara. There is a small menu of fresh dishes that are beautifully prepared. Therefore, a dinner at ELVIA is not only tasty but also pleasing to the eye.
Noa comida ligera
Little restaurant whose specialty is fagottos, a kind of thick, well-filled tostie with all kinds of fillings. Other dishes include kibbe and lentil croquettes.
Bari comidas
An Italian restaurant that serves homemade pasta, pizza and burgers. They also make tasty fresh juices.
Shanti Recetas para el alma
Small restaurant where the healthy dishes are prepared fresh and most of the vegetables are grown in-house. For poke bowls, salads, quinoa and ceviche, among other things. There are only a few tables, so call to reserve a table.
Gringo Mike's
A favorite with travelers for years. At the cozy restaurant on Parque Principal, you can choose from an American-Mexican menu of nachos and giant sandwiches and burgers.
Al Fogolar Barichara
Restaurant next to the cathedral. V anfrom the balcony on the 1st floor, you overlook the park. A wide menu of Italian and Colombian dishes. Spareribs and goat cooked in the wood oven, are the specialties of the house.
Plan your trip to Barichara
How to get there.
There is no airport in Barichara. The nearest airport is Palonegro international airport in Bucaramanga. From here you can take the bus to San Gil (approx. 3h) and from there the bus to Barichara (45 min.) Faster is a private transfer from the airport.
Coming from Bogotá, you can take the bus to San Gil (approx. 8h). In San Gil take the bus to Barichara (45 min.) To break the long bus trip, you can make a stop in Villa de Leyva.
#GoColombia tip
Combine your trip with other highlights north of Bogotá, such as Zipaquirá, Villa de Leyva and the Chicamocha Canyon and make a 2-week round trip from Bogotá to Bucaramanga. Check out our itinerary from Bogota to Barichara.
Climate and best time to go
- Barichara has a dry and pleasant climate and can be visited throughout the year. The average temperature is between 18°C and 24°C. It can feel much warmer, especially in the afternoon. It can be very hot, especially on the trail from Barichara to Guane.
- The driest time is from December through February. There are many Colombian tourists in Barichara during the period around Christmas and New Year’s Eve, summer vacations (especially July) and semana santa (Easter week). It is more expensive and crowded then, so early reservations are necessary.
Where to stay in Barichara?
There are a few budget accommodations in Barichara, but most hotels are in the medium or higher price range. There are many budget accommodations in San Gil, but then of course you miss the charm of Barichara. Around Christmas, New Year’s Eve, semana santa (Easter week) and the month of July, prices are higher.
#ToColombia hotel tips:
1) Stay at PSueños de Antonio
Our favorite, because of the great service and beautiful garden. Book the superior double room with outdoor shower!
2) Go Glamping! For example at the atmospheric Serrania del Viento, just outside Barichara, where you can enjoy the views and tranquility.
3) Book a vacation home
There are very nice houses for rent in Barichara, such as Casa el Paraíso. If you are traveling with your family or friends, the cost is often not too bad. Most houses have a private terrace with a view and some even have a private pool or jacuzzi. Depending on luxury and the number of bedrooms, you can book a 2-bedroom vacation home from as little as 80 euros per night.
3) And if you want something really special.
Then book a room at Casa Mahanaim, 2 km. from Barichara. The decor and setting in the middle of nature, makes this casa very special. There are hiking trails to Barichara, but you can also take a tuktuk.
Check out other hotel tips for Barichara below.
€ price range up to €25
€€ price range €25 – €75
€€€ price range above €75
Important info A-Z
Locals & language
In general, little English is spoken. A word of Spanish is certainly helpful and works wonders for getting in touch with the locals.
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required for Barichara.
Bring
- Walking shoes (the roads go up and down so good shoes are a must)
- Cap or hat
- Sunscreen
- Waterthermos
Safety
Barichara and the hiking trail to Guane, are known to be safe. If in doubt, check with hotel staff or other locals.
Wifi
Most hotels have wifi, but the connection is not always stable, especially if you stay in a hotel further from the center.
