Attraction
Camino Real Barichara - Guane
The historic stone path leads about 8 kilometers mostly downhill to Guane. Start early to avoid the midday heat. The return is by bus or on foot uphill.
Colombia
Barichara
City
Barichara is a colonial town in the mountains of Santander Department, northeastern Colombia, 21 km from the adventure town of San Gil. You come for its yellow sandstone houses, cobblestone streets, and the hike on the Camino Real to Guane.
by Felix Gillen
Barichara is a colonial town in the mountains of Santander Department, northeastern Colombia, 21 km from the adventure town of San Gil. You come for its yellow sandstone houses, cobblestone streets, and the hike on the Camino Real to Guane. Founded in 1705, the town is at around 1,300m; its historic center is a National Monument since 1978.
Sights in Barichara
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Church
Capilla San Antonio
Another chapel in the historic center, a National Monument since 1978.
Museum
The Park for the Arts
Open-air sculpture park honoring the stonemasons of Barichara. In the background, the Cañón del Río Suárez opens up.
Attraction
Mirador Salto del Mico
Cliff edge with expansive views over the valley of the Río Suárez. No barriers at the edge.
Restaurants in Barichara
The restaurant is considered one of the best in town, praised for its creative dishes and atmosphere. Reservation recommended, check opening hours beforehand.
Simple eatery with regional dishes like fried fish and carne oreada.
In a colonial house, Sierra combines Asian, especially Japanese techniques with ingredients from Santander. Almost everything is homemade, from kimchi to soy sauce.
Food & Drink in Barichara
Barichara showcases the cuisine of Guanentá province, featuring goat, ants, and fermented corn drinks. In the town, monuments are even dedicated to ants in public squares.
Hormigas culonas
The roasted ants are Barichara's most famous specialty and a legacy of the Guane. They are fried with little oil, as the animals themselves release fat.
Goat with Pepitoria
Ziegenfleisch, serviert mit Pepitoria aus Reis, Blut und Innereien. Es gehört zu den am häufigsten empfohlenen Gerichten für einen ersten Besuch.
Chicha und Masato
Chicha is a traditional corn drink; Masato a creamy, lightly fermented one, usually from rice. Both are on the menu in Barichara, alongside Guarapo and Aguapanela.
Carne oreada
Mariniertes, in der Sonne getrocknetes Rindfleisch, das danach gegrillt oder gebraten wird. Dazu passt die Arepa santandereana aus gelbem Mais und Chicharrón.
History and Architecture
According to legend, an image of the Virgin Mary appeared to a farmer on a stone in 1702; the town was founded in 1705. Its name, according to tradition, means 'Place of Rest' in the Guane language.Since 2010, Barichara has been one of Colombia's Heritage Towns. Houses, churches, and even the cemetery are built from the local yellow stone.
Arrival and On the Way
From San Gil: Barichara is 21 km away and accessible by bus via a paved road.From Bogotá: First, approx. 7-8 hours by bus to San Gil, then onwards to Barichara.To Guane: On foot via the Camino Real; return by bus or uphill walk.
Accommodations in Barichara
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