Beautiful Barichara is a small colonial town in the Andean foothills of Colombia’s Santander region. It has been called Colombia’s prettiest town and it’s easy to see why!
The hilly cobbled streets provide pretty vistas over the red-tiled roofs to the countryside beyond. Colourful blooms spill over flower pots that adorn brightly painted doors and windows against a backdrop of whitewashed walls. In the plaza, the town’s church with its distinctive dome completes the idyllic image.
This is not a town full of typical tourist attractions, but it is the quiet way of life that attracts visitors looking to experience life in the Colombian countryside. Barichara is a place to slow down, enjoy life’s simple pleasures and connect with the surrounding nature.
Contents
Backpacking Barichara, Colombia – Travel Guide 🧳
Barichara Map & Resources
MORE INFO: (opens in a new tab)
- 🇨🇴 Travel Guide to Colombia
- 💵 Cost of Backpacking in Colombia
- 📍 Nearby places: San Gil | Parque Nacional Natural El Cocuy | Bucaramanga
- 🥾 Must-do activity: Hike El Camino Real
Best Time to Visit Barichara, Colombia ☀️
Barichara has a consistently warm climate with daytime temperatures hovering around 25°C. This means there is no bad time to visit the town, but if you want to time your trip to coincide with the driest weather, aim for December-March.
Where to Stay in Barichara, Colombia 🛌
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Accommodation options are spread across Barichara. As the town is very small, everywhere is within walking distance wherever you choose to stay. Alternatively, there are some options slightly out of town, many of which offer great views over the surrounding countryside.
Tinto Hostel – With its wooden terraces and comfy hammocks surrounded by plants and flowers, Tinto has a homely feel. It also features a small pool and shared kitchen. Popular with backpackers, Tinto is a fabulous option for those on a shoestring budget. There are small dorms (featuring four beds) as well as double and triple rooms.
With exceptional reviews, Hostal Casa Nacuma is highly rated by guests, who also rave about the fabulous host. The dorm rooms are comfortable and cosy and the pretty courtyard with hammocks is a great place to relax.
La Juanita Hostel Boutique is modern and stylish and offers excellent value for money. It features dorms and private rooms, a terrace and a common area. A tasty breakfast is included in the price.
La Casa de Hercilia Boutique is a stylish and cosy place in the heart of Barichara. It offers single, double and triple rooms. There is a comfortable common area complete with soft seating and hammocks. It also has a garden and a games room, and with excellent coffee available all day you may find it difficult to leave.
You couldn’t ask for a better location than Aura Hotel Parque Barichara By Infinity, which sits on the central plaza and overlooks the Parque Principal. With an outdoor pool, garden and terrace there are plenty of places to relax. The price also includes an American-style breakfast.
Hotel Casa Blanca Barichara By Infinity has a colourful colonial charm. Each of the private rooms has a patio and there are cosy common areas to relax in, including a pretty garden. Guests rate the friendly staff and breakfast is included in the price.
Things to Do in Barichara, Colombia 🌺
1. Stroll Through the Streets 🚶🏻♀️
The charm of Barichara is in its colonial architecture, cobblestones and pastoral setting. Spend a few hours wandering aimlessly through the hilly streets, absorbing the views and the atmosphere.
“I really enjoyed just wandering the pretty streets in Barichara. The icing on the cake was when I stumbled upon the Mirador de Barichara on the western edge of town. The views over the countryside are breathtaking!”
Lisa Barham, Writer at South America Backpacker
2. Hike El Camino Real 🥾
The historic Camino Real is a scenic, stone-paved path connecting Barichara and Guane. The 9 km trail is easy-going and takes around 2 hours to complete. There are plenty of rest stops along the way to take a break and enjoy the views.
If you intend to hike only one way, it’s recommended to walk to Guane as the route is more downhill in this direction. You can then take a bus back to Barichara. Remember to leave yourself enough time in Guane before the last bus departs around 6 pm. (Ask for an updated schedule at the ticket office by the main plaza in Barichara.)
3. Take a Day Trip to Guane 🏘️
If you thought Barichara was small and quaint, wait until you see the nearby town of Guane. Consisting of a handful of streets around the requisite plaza, it won’t take much time to explore this pequeño pueblo. However, it’s worth a visit to experience country life, sample the famous goat’s milk and visit the Palaeontology and Archaeology Museum.
4. People-Watch in the Plaza ⛪️
As with anywhere in Latin America, the best place to experience local life is in the town’s plaza. Grab a drink or an ice cream and pull up a pew near the Church of the Immaculate Conception to watch life go by.
“After the buzz of San Gil, I found Barichara the perfect place to relax. There are beautiful views in every direction and it’s easy to spend a few hours just soaking up the peaceful atmosphere.”
Lisa Barham, Writer at South America Backpacker
5. Try Some Adventure Activities 🪂
At just 40 minutes by bus from the adventure capital of San Gil, it’s possible to make Barichara your base for exploring the adrenaline-fuelled activities on offer nearby. Pretty much any extreme sport you can think of can be enjoyed in the region, from paragliding to caving and whitewater rafting to bungee jumping.
6. Visit Casa de Aquileo Parra 🏠
For a hit of culture, check out a historic house and the former home of Colombia’s first president, Aquileo Parra (1825-1900).
Food and Drink in Barichara, Colombia 🍕
Diners at La Villa Restaurante can enjoy eating in a cute courtyard. There is a varied menu including soups, salads, burgers and pasta plus options for veggies and vegans.
For authentic Colombian food, try the local dishes at Restaurante El Compa.
For lunch with a view, head to Indepencia Cocina Y Sazón where you can enjoy crêpes, sandwiches and local fish dishes overlooking the Colombian countryside.
Pizza and pasta lovers will enjoy the offerings at Pizzería Siete Tigres.
Charcutería Estilo Gourmet is an excellent option for vegetarians and vegans. You’ll be spoilt for choice with açai bowls, veggie sandwiches, delicious salads and even vegan pizza. Yum!
If you fancy some Mexican food, Guadalupe Comida Mexicana can satisfy your cravings.
For some fine dining, treat yourself to a delightful gastronomic experience at Elvia Restaurante.
Getting Around Barichara, Colombia 👣
Barichara is very small and easily explored on foot. Some of the streets are quite steep so watch your step on the cobblestones!
How to Get to Barichara, Colombia 🚌
Barichara is just 40 minutes by road from San Gil. Buses depart from the local bus terminal (Terminalito Provincial) and the fare is around 7,000COP (approx. $1.75USD).
If you are travelling from further afield, long-distance buses from places such as Bogotá or Bucaramanga terminate at the big bus terminal (Terminal de Transporte San Gil) on the main road into San Gil, around a 25-minute walk or a short taxi ride from the local bus terminal.
Where to Go Next: ➡️
San Gil: If you’re in the mood for some action after all that relaxation, look no further than nearby San Gil. The outdoor capital of Colombia, San Gil is a mecca for thrill-seekers and adventure-activity enthusiasts.
Villa de Leyva: Can’t get enough of Colombia’s pretty colonial towns? Head for Villa de Leyva, known for its whitewashed architecture, huge plaza and cobbled streets.
Bogotá: A world away from the quiet country life of Barichara, Colombia’s capital, Bogotá, is a thriving metropolis. Spend a few days visiting the museums and sampling the street food.
Contributors:
South America Backpacker is a ‘travel diary for everyone’. This article has been written with the help of backpackers and local experts. We would like to thank…
🙏 Nathalie Alyon | Pack the Story
Lisa Barham
Lisa is a writer and traveller who left her nine-to-five in London for life on the road. Today, she spends her time solo backpacking, navigating through life and unfamiliar streets. After eating, hiking and surfing her way through Southeast Asia, she headed for a new adventure in South America, to travel through the continent learning Spanish, and a few other valuable lessons along the way!
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