The Best Day Trips from Barichara, Colombia

Raft class V rapids in Colombias Santander region 
Raft class V rapids in Colombia's Santander region  | © Triángulo del Café Travel / Flickr 
Jessica Vincent

With its sleepy cobblestone streets and laid-back vibes, slow-paced Barichara doesn’t exactly scream adventure. However, perched atop the raging Suarez River and surrounded by hundreds of kilometres of mountainous forest, Colombia’s most beautiful town isn’t just a pretty face. From hiking one of the world’s largest canyons to rappelling down 70 metre-high (230 foot) waterfalls, here are the 7 best day trips from Barichara.

Camino Real walk to Guane

This easy 9 km (5.6 miles) mostly downhill hike from Barichara to the neighbouring town of Guane is an absolute must-do whilst in Barichara. A national monument since 1988, the Camino Real is an ancient stone-paved road built by the indigenous Guane people passing through stunning Santander countryside. The two-hour hike takes you down a deserted, cacti-dotted canyon with stunning views of the valley below, where your only companions will be grazing cows and the odd Colombian farmer. Once in Guane, be sure to check out the 200-year-old church and stop by for a trout menu del dia at one of the family-run restaurants.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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The 200-year-old stone paved road runs from Barichara to the tiny village of Guane

Hike to Villanueva

If a two-hour downhill stroll to Guane didn’t quite hit the spot, you can carry on trekking to the next village along the way, Villanueva. For those willing to put in the few extra miles, the rewards are high: epic views of deep, lush green canyons, sleepy 2-house farmer towns and, most likely, not a single other hiker in sight. Once you arrive in Villanueva, be sure to check out the famous Heladeria El Nevado, where weird and wonderful ice lolly flavours, such as yuca and avocado, are served daily by two charming ladies.

Pass through stunning canyons on the Barichara – Villanueva hike

Parque Nacional de Chicamocha

Located halfway between San Gil and Bucaramanga, Parque Nacional de Chicamocha is a little further out, but well worth the journey if time allows. You can hike along one of their well-marked trails to take in sweeping vistas of one of the world’s largest canyons, or, if you dare, take part in one of the many outdoor adventure activities such as paragliding, spelunking, kayaking, fishing, rafting, and climbing. For those who want to take in the views without breaking a sweat, there is also an aerial tramway that crosses the canyon.

Monumento de la Santandereanidad in Parque Nacional de Chicamocha

Rafting on the raging River Suarez

Offering a solid class V (the hardest rafting level there is), the River Suarez is every hardcore rafter’s paradise. Many rafters go straight to San Gil due to the many tour operators that are based there. However, if you’re in Barichara (a much prettier base!) it can be just as easy to sort out a day trip to the river with one of the hostels here (or just get the 30-minute public bus into San Gil and organise your trip from there if you prefer). If you’re looking for something a little gentler, the lower parts of the River Suarez offers class III rapids (intermediate level) or you can opt for the calmer Chicamocha or Fonce River (beginner to intermediate).

Raft class V rapids in Colombia’s Santander region

Rappelling Juan Curi waterfall

If you haven’t quite got your adrenaline fix yet, rappelling down the 70-metre (230 foot) high Juan Curi waterfall is sure to get your blood pumping. This stunning waterfall is surrounded by lush green forest and makes for a beautiful day out – even if you just fancy admiring it from a distance. Most people come here, however, to test their nerve by lowering themselves over the edge and rappelling down the slippery rocks right down to the waterfall’s crashing pool. There are organised tours that take you from Barichara or San Gil, but it’s just as easy to get the public bus to the falls and hire a guide once you’re there.

Test your nerve rappelling down a waterfall near Barichara

Cueva de La Vaca

Cueva de la Vaca – translating to “cow’s cave” – is a stunning whitewashed cave full of otherworldly-like stalactite formations and secret waterfalls. Adrenaline-packed tours here give you up to two hours exploring the cave’s many dark, narrow passageways, finishing up at the beautiful “final room” filled with impressive rock formations and a pretty waterfall as its centrepiece. Beware: if you’re not up for slithering through tight, muddy crevices, diving under narrow rock corridors and getting up close and personal with bats, crabs and spiders, then this trip may not be for you! Tinto Hostel arranges day trips to La Vaca leaving from Barichara at 7 am or 1 pm.

Mountain biking in Suarez Canyon

It may not be well established yet, but Santander’s dry, mountainous landscape makes this a perfect place for downhill mountain biking. Colombian Bike Junkies, one of the area’s only official cycling companies, offer highly-rated day trips to the stunning Suarez Canyon, as well as trips into the nearby Chicamocha National Park and multi-day biking adventures.

Mountain biking in Colombia’s Suarez Canyon
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