Gems of Santander

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the rich cultural landscapes of the Santander region. This tour is meticulously crafted for travelers seeking an immersive experience in Colombia’s historical and natural wonders. Catch a short domestic flight from Bogota to the enchanting town of Barichara, where colonial charm, spectacular landscapes, and local crafts await. Hike along the scenic Camino Real trail and get an adrenaline rush in San Gil, the adventure capital of Colombia. This program is an excellent choice for families travelling with children, a group of friends or couples who like culture and history, as well as for senior travellers. The program includes accommodation at small boutique hotels with a lot of comfort and charm. We will adjust the trip depending where you arrive in Colombia. We can tailor this itinerary to suit your plans by changing the length of the trip or the order of activities.

08 Days – From £3,725 per person

*equivalent in USD, EUR accepted

Itinerary: Bucaramanga, Barichara, Guane, San Gil

Included

Price is per person, based on two people sharing in a double/twin room
Mentioned hotels with breakfast
All the excursions mentioned in the itinerary
All transfers by car and boat on a private basis
All entrance & guiding fees
All mandatory local taxes

Excluded

Visa, where applicable
International Flights (See Flights to Colombia)
Domestic Flights
Personal Expenses
Insurance
Tips & Gratuities
Meals not mentioned in the description

Flights

International flights are not included in the package price. We give you the freedom to book the flights yourself, use miles and choose your preferred airline, and if you are stuck we can help you find the right connections. Return flights to Bogota (BOG) start from £650 per person, depending on the connections and time of the year.

How to Book

Send us an email to check availability, discuss your preferences and get a quote.

This is a sample itinerary and prices are correct at the time of writing. We can tailor the trip up to your plans and bookother hotels. You can also combine this trip with other regions. For more Colombia travel inspiration check these itineraries.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Barichara is during the dry seasons, from December to February and from July to August. During these months, the weather is more predictable, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Camino Real: Early morning or late afternoon are ideal times to hike to avoid the midday heat. The dry season (December to March) is the best time to hike to avoid rain and muddy conditions.

To avoid unpleasant weather surprises, we recommend to check our Colombia Weather Guide to plan your trip in the right season.

What to Wear

Dry Season: Light layers, as mornings and evenings can be cool, but afternoons are warmer. A light jacket or sweater is advisable.

Rainy Season: Waterproof jackets and umbrellas are essential due to frequent rains. Layering remains important to adjust to varying temperatures throughout the day.

Day 1 - Fly to Bucaramanga

Begin your adventure by catching a short morning flight from Bogota to Bucaramanga, also called the “City of Parks”. Upon arrival, the vibrant heart of Santander welcomes you. In the afternoon, delve into the region’s history with a guided walking city tour, visiting Catedral de la Sagrada Familia, Museo Casa de Bolívar and Capilla de los Dolores. These beautifully preserved colonial buildings offer a fascinating glimpse into Colombia’s past. Time permitting, visit the nearby colonial town of Girón (20 min drive). As evening falls, savor a delightful dining experience at La Carreta, where traditional Colombian cuisine is presented with a contemporary twist. Overnight at Hotel Dann Carlton Bucaramanga.

Day 2 - Depart to Barichara

After a hearty breakfast, a private transfer will whisk you away to Barichara (3 hours). This tranquil colonial town, nested in the mountains of Santander, is often called the most beautiful town in Colombia. Barichara will enchant you with its quaint cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses with red-tiled roofs, and stunning views of the surrounding rolling hills and verdant valleys of the Andes. Here it feels like time stopped and the atmosphere is truly relaxing, far away from the hussle and bustle of big cities. Spend the evening enjoying a quiet moment in the central plaza. Overnight at Casa Guatí.

Day 3 - Barichara

Your exploration of Barichara begins with a guided tour, taking in the town’s iconic sites such as The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Salto del Mico, and the Church of Santa Bárbara. Wander through the traditional streets, each turn revealing more of Barichara’s rich history and stunning architecture. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the magical world of Disney’s Encanto with a tour highlighting the settings that inspired the movie. As night falls, enjoy a quiet dinner in town, reflecting on the day’s discoveries before retiring to your hotel. Overnight at Casa Guatí.

Day 4 - Camino Real

Start your day with an invigorating hike along the historic Camino Real from Barichara to the charming village of Guane and back (9 km / 3 hours return trip). This ancient path offers breathtaking views of the Andean countryside and a glimpse into the region’s past. This trail is part of the ancient network of roads built by the indigenous Guane people and later improved by the Spanish during colonial times. In the afternoon, tap into your creative side with a local craft workshop, choosing from pottery or basket weaving, guided by skilled artisans. Dinner tonight will be another culinary delight at a local restaurant, offering a taste of Barichara’s unique flavors. Return to the hotel for a restful night. Overnight at Casa Guatí.

Day 5 - San Gil

After breakfast prepare for a day full of adventure. Head to San Gil (40 min), the adventure sports capital of Colombia, for a day packed with thrilling activities. Nestled in the mountains, San Gil boasts stunning landscapes with rivers, waterfalls, and lush green hills, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. A wide range of adventure sports are available here, such as rafting, paragliding, caving and horse-riding. Each activity offers an adrenaline rush set against the stunning backdrop of the Andes. Choose your preferred activity for the day in advance. Conclude this action-packed day with a special dinner in San Gil. Overnight at Boutique Wassiki Campestre.

Day 6 - San Gil

After breakfast prepare for another day full of adventure. Choose your preferred activity for the day in advance. You can choose to visit Cascadas de Juan Curí, a series of impressive waterfalls located about 30 minutes from San Gil. You can hike to the falls and swim in the natural pools at their base. You can also do rappelling down the waterfalls. After the activities visit El Gallineral Park, a beautiful park located near the center of San Gil, featuring ancient trees draped with Spanish moss, walking trails, and picnic areas. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy nature. Conclude this action-packed day with a special dinner in San Gil before heading back to Barichara (40 min). Overnight at Casa Barichara Boutique.

Day 7 - Cooking Class

After breakfast, begin your morning with a cooking class, learning to prepare traditional Colombian dishes with organic, locally sourced ingredients under the guidance of a local chef. This hands-on experience is not only educational but deliciously rewarding. Spend the afternoon exploring more of Barichara’s historical sites, deepening your appreciation for its rich cultural heritage. Enjoy another special dinner in town, savoring the flavors you’ve come to love. Return to your hotel for your final night in this charming town. Overnight at Casa Barichara Boutique.

Day 8 - Departure

Today say goodbye to Barichara as you depart back to the city of Bucaramanga in the morning (3 hours), leaving behind the picturesque Andean countryside. From there, catch your short domestic flight back to Bogotá. Alternatively, you can choose to stay a few more days and explore the region in-depth, visiting other colonial towns and beautiful parks. Also, you can continue discovering Colombia, by exploring other regions in the north, heading to the coast. You will find more travel ideas on the Itineraries Page. We will tailor your trip according to your preferences and available time.

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