Barichara Outdoor Bliss: Top 5 Activities

Barichara, that captivating little town in Colombia, truly feels like stepping back in time. It’s almost as if its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture whisper stories of generations past. That vibe, mixed with the promise of adventure, truly makes it a sweet place to visit. Forget those overcrowded tourist traps because Barichara offers a very unique, and perhaps more authentic experience. The kind where you can soak up the local culture and get your heart pumping with some outdoor activities. You, very clearly, will want to bring comfortable shoes.

1. Hiking the Historic Camino Real

If there’s only one activity that you actually have time for in Barichara, many folks may say it should be hiking a portion of the Camino Real. What could be better than strolling down a centuries-old path? The Camino Real, or “Royal Road”, you see, is this beautiful stone path, originally crafted by the indigenous Guane people. Later on, it was improved upon by the Spanish. The most popular stretch usually goes from Barichara to Guane, a small village known for its archeological museum and overall peaceful vibe, and of course, its super sweet treats. You may find that the entire hike runs roughly 9 kilometers (about 5.6 miles). Expect it to typically take around 2 to 3 hours at a comfortable pace, giving you plenty of time to take in the beauty of the Santander region and, you know, breathe in that wonderfully fresh mountain air. Take lots of water and don’t be a silly goose.

The path, actually, isn’t too challenging, but good shoes really will make all the difference because there are definitely some uneven surfaces and a couple of gently rolling hills to climb. It is extremely stunning, almost every single step of the way. You’ll often see this view filled with cacti, agave plants, and other native flora. Watch for the colorful birds that like to flit around. The reward once you get to Guane is, really, getting a super yummy local lunch and, you know, maybe exploring the local museum before you hop on a bus back to Barichara.

2. Canyon Del Chicamocha Adventures

Okay, get ready for the big time. This is truly where adventure comes to play. Chicamocha Canyon, you see, isn’t just pretty to look at; it’s also, arguably, a playground for thrill-seekers. Although it requires a bit of a trip from Barichara, it’s truly worth the effort for anyone who wants a dose of adrenaline. You will typically find that there are a couple of tour operators in Barichara that provide trips to the canyon. Once there, canyoning tours give you that sweet chance to rappel down waterfalls and also swim through these narrow passages that have formed over the millennia.

The views from within the canyon, you’ll agree, are spectacular, with towering rock walls that soar hundreds of feet above you. This one tends to be a super physical activity, so it might be right up your alley to get the best experience. This often means that you may need to be reasonably fit. Anyway, just so you know, be prepared for some climbs and swims in potentially cool water, and all around, this adventure is normally going to last most of the day. Don’t be caught out! Get an idea of your overall physical abilities.

3. Soaring High with Paragliding

How does floating like a bird above this lovely landscape sound? Yeah? Sweet, give paragliding near Barichara a good think. You’re probably going to want to drive up to a good take-off spot a bit outside of town because there, that’s where the paragliding operations take place. Once you’re all strapped in with your certified instructor, that jump is a pretty huge burst. So, anyway, you’ll glide over rolling hills and canyons with maybe just a quiet breeze going by, you’re so free, you’re a little bird! Plus, you might find that a lot of operators offer photo and video packages so you can prove that it happened to all your pals back home.

Seriously though, the thermals in this area often provide for pretty consistent flying conditions, yet it’s generally still a good call to fly during the earlier part of the day to avoid the harsher winds. You may find out that the length of your flight is often going to depend on the conditions. It’s still something you want to ask when booking so that way, you know what’s up, partner!

4. Exploring the Cascada de Juan Curi

If you find you’re one who likes swimming under these lovely waterfalls and hiking through some rich forest, it may be your deal to make a quick escape to the Cascada de Juan Curi, which really is close by. Located just outside of San Gil, which is, really, the larger neighboring town, Juan Curi has this multi-tiered waterfall that splashes down into cool pools, which are obviously perfect for taking a sweet dip. It almost feels like one of those super awesome natural waterparks.

Getting there requires a bit of a taxi ride or bus trip from Barichara, then a short walk through some greenery. At the entrance, really, there is generally a little fee that may go straight towards the waterfall preservation and helping the local community, and whatever. Anyway, besides simply enjoying the refreshing water, you could also give yourself a bit of a thrill, rappelling down the falls with a local guide. That sure will test your spirit. The best time to come is truly in the morning, as that is when it’s less crowded, almost to the point where it feels like you have the whole falls for yourself.

5. A Trip to the Parque Nacional del Chicamocha (PANACHI)

While more of a theme park than maybe your typical outdoor adventure spot, The Parque Nacional del Chicamocha, sometimes known just as PANACHI, might very well offer a pretty cool way to see the stunning canyon from very high up and participate in a handful of super exciting activities. That way you could take a scenic cable car that spans this wide canyon, delivering jaw-dropping panoramic views. When you’re there, you may find things like a zipline and an amusement park.

There are some folks who find this more developed tourism kind of experience pretty cheesy, while other people find it extremely entertaining and almost like something a family would be into. Getting to the park normally calls for a ride from Barichara, but there usually are buses and taxis, so that shouldn’t be a deal-breaker.