Often described as one of the prettiest places in Colombia, Barichara is an enchanting colonial town, rich in history and even lovelier than I first imagined. It’s also considered a major influence behind the animated movie Encanto, so if you’re looking to chase the magic feel the film captures, it’s a must-visit.
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the ‘Heritage Town’ and, in the end, wish I could have spent a few more days strolling around the cobbled streets and admiring the magnificent architecture. While the neighboring city of San Gil – Colombia’s ‘Adventure Capital’ – gets most of the hype in these parts, I preferred the slow-paced, lazy vibes of Barichara.
In this guide, I cover some of the top things to do in Barichara, including tips on where to stay and how to get here from San Gil. I also share details on how to hike the popular Camino Real Trail, as well as additional stops you can add on a multi-day trek in the countryside.
This is my comprehensive guide to Barichara, Colombia.
Chill Out In The Main Square
If you’re using public transport, there’s a high chance you’ll arrive in the main square, Parque Principal Barichara, at the beginning of your trip. It’s the beating heart of the historic town and a spot where most visitors gather to relax.
Its energy and charm reminded me of popular central Colombian towns like Salento and Filandia. At its center, shaded seating areas sit beneath a canopy of overhanging trees, making it a great spot to enjoy a morning coffee and pastry from Nona’s Bread or midday ice cream.
Along the edge, you’ll find two of Barichara’s most recognizable buildings. The Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception, a yellow stone temple is at the northern end. The picturesque colonial church has magnificent tile flooring, a carved stone facade, and a beautiful gold-leaf altar.
A few steps away on the western side the Casa de la Cultura Emili Pradilla Gonzalez, a cultural house and small museum awaits. For a modest 2000 COP entry, you can explore the courtyard and see some beautiful local paintings.
The main square is also the spot you’ll meet if you plan on going on a free walking tour of Barichara. I try to join these kinds of tip-based tours whenever I travel to a new town, however, I didn’t end up on this one. It’s still worth looking into though, but make sure to send a message beforehand to see if the guide speaks English.
Wander Barichara's Streets
When you’re done exploring Parque Principal, make sure to wander the charming streets of Barichara. The white, stonewashed facades and faded rooftops bring a harmonious feel to the relaxing hilltop town. And, when the flowers are blooming along the cobbled roads, you’ll see why it’s considered the inspiration for Encanto.
I’m all about wandering the streets with no plan and Barichara is perfect for that. It’s quite compact, so you’re bound to pass all the highlights if you explore for a half hour or so. With that being said, it’s nice to know exactly what you’re looking at.
Here are some places to keep in mind as you stroll around:
Barichara Paper Workshop | A small factory-turned-workshop that focuses on the paper-making process. You’ll have the chance to see the plants, natural fibers, and dyes used to create sheets of paper and crafts. The mini tour of the facilities is a real hidden gem and the women working there are lovely people.
If you’re interested in a guided visit, they suggest contacting them beforehand to pick out a suitable time and preference. You can find out more information on their website. It’s also worth stopping by to see some of their creative, handmade products!
Capilla San Antonio | A lovely little church on the southern end of town. Besides Sundays, it’s not often opened to the public, but the exterior is very picturesque.
Santa Barbara Chapel | This beautiful 18th-century chapel is a few blocks north of the main plaza and offers exceptional views of Calle Real from atop its steep incline.
Parque Para Las Artes Jorge Delgado Sierra | Just next to the Santa Barbara Chapel, you’ll find this gorgeous park filled with unique sculptures. The upkeep isn’t always the best, but combined with the views it’s a charming place to see.
Casa de Aquileo Parra | A colonial house that now doubles as a monument celebrating Aquileo Parra; a former politician and military leader from the area.
The Camino Real Hike
A well-known hike in Colombia and one of the best things to do in Barichara is walking the popular Camino Real trail. The historic road dates back centuries and was first built by the Indigenous Guane people who are native to these lands.
As it’s known in English, the “Royal Road” isn’t as fancy as it sounds, however, it’s a wonderful way to see some of Colombia’s lesser-seen towns and lovely green landscapes. It’s also a moderately easy hike, especially the most walked section between Barichara and the cute little town of Guane.
BARICAHARA TO GUANE
The beginning of the hike starts at the western end of Barichara (maps) and heads along a 5 km path until it reaches Guane. At the trailhead, you’ll notice a monument dedicated to a German Engineer who reconstructed this part of the road in the 1800s.
This section will take around two hours to complete. It features delightful scenery and an easy-to-follow cobblestone footpath in most areas. There are slight declines and inclines, but the journey is generally relatively flat. I had no problems with the hike, although I’d recommend plenty of sunscreen and water, as the sun is overhead most of the time.
You’ll end in Guane, and for most, this is the last stop. I talk about my fondness for Guane in the section below, so I’ll hold off on it for now. From here, you can have a rest and food and then decide to walk to Barichara the way you came, take a tuk-tuk or public bus back, or head on for an overnight adventure.
What To Bring | Shoes to hike in, sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water, snacks and/or lunch, money for food and transport
THE CAMINO REAL AFTER GUANE
I’ll start by saying that my partner and I ended our Camino Real trek in Guane, but the third in our group ended up walking another 30 km over the next day and a half until he reached the quaint town of Los Santos.
Here is a summarized version of what you can expect in the latter half of the Camino Real:
To Villanueva | The next stop after Guane is the small village of Villanueva. It lacks the beauty of its predecessor, however, there are a few family-run hotels with single ensuite rooms to stay for the night. This section starts as a charming countryside walk along a stone path. It begins with a slight uphill followed by a shallow decline until Villanueva. This is where you’ll want to spend the night. It’s recommended to bring food for the evening as the restaurant options are limited.
Time | 4 to 5 hours
Distance | Around 10 km
To Jordan | After a night in Villanueva, start the morning early (before sunset if possible) and head down the country leading out of town until you come into view of Chicamocha Canyon. It’s a spectacular place to be as the sun peaks over the cliffsides. You’ll end up following a thin, well-marked dirt path into the canyon with views of horses moseying all around. This same trail eventually leads to Jordan where you can grab snacks for the road. This is also the last chance to get a ride back to Barichara, so if you’re planning to end back there make sure this is your last stop.
Time | 5 to 6 hours
Distance | Around 15 km
To Los Santos | The last part of the journey leads you from Jordan to Los Santos. You’ll start by crossing a bridge and following a river. The midday sun is brutal here, so make sure to rest plenty at the stops along the way. Luckily, they have fantastic views looking out over the canyon. The rest of the way is quite a bit easier after this. You’ll end up in Los Santos, where you can explore the beautiful white church, and gorgeous homes, and stop for a bite to eat.
Heads Up | No buses were heading to Barichara or San Gil at the time of our trip, so all public transport from Los Santos went through Bucaramanga. If you have everything with you, this shouldn’t be an issue, but if you need to get back to any of the other places I mentioned it’s best to leave after Jordan.
Time | 3 hours (heat and incline)
Distance | 5.5 km
Relax In Guane
Guane is an endearing little town that seems almost frozen in time. It resembles a smaller, more worn-down Barichara, but its charm is undeniable. One of the main reasons I enjoyed the Camino Real so much, and I’m assuming many others feel similar, is that the trail stops here.
Instead of turning around to head back, I suggest staying a few hours to appreciate everything Guane has to offer. At the very least, you’ll be treated to wonderful views of the countryside, but the tranquil atmosphere is absolutely captivating.
If you have the time, make sure to wander the cobbled streets of the old colonial village. It’s one of the country’s most photogenic places, with uniformed rooftops and faded white walls amidst colorful blooming flowers and endless greenery.
Some things to do in Guane after you finish this portion of the Camino Real:
- Head through the old colonial streets until you reach Parque Principal Guane. Here’s where all the happenings of the town go on. In the center, you’ll find a small park to relax at that has a nice photo opportunity with the letters of Guane. This is also where you’ll catch transport back to Barichara as well.
- At the eastern part of the square stands the town’s small clocktower and the Museo Arqueológico y Paleontologico de Guane. The museum is tiny, but interesting and has some cool archaeological pieces throughout. Entrance is 10,000 COP and keep in mind that they often close down for lunchtime.
- In the courtyard between the museum and the clock tower is one of the very few restaurants you’ll find in Guane. Restaurante La Torre has a simple menu of Colombian fare that hits the spot after a few hours of hiking. Prices are reasonable and the lady running the kitchen was super friendly.
- On the southern end of the square is the town church–Parroquia de Santa Lucia. It has a picturesque red stone exterior that adds to the town’s splendor and a simple interior with gorgeous wooden beams.
- When you’re done strolling around Parque Principal, head to the northeastern part of Guane to catch some spectacular views at Mirador Guane. There’s a nice snack shack/bar here that does good smoothies and offers a place to sit and enjoy the scenery.
Getting To and From Barichara | Most people will walk back the way they came on the Camino Real, but there is a public bus that runs between Barichara and Guane every few hours. The cost is 3500 COP and it takes around 30 minutes.
I had no clue about a timetable, so I ended up just waiting in front of Parroquia de Santa Lucia until it arrived. If it’s later in the day or you’re unsure about it, ask someone in one of the stores around town when the next bus will arrive.
Tuk-tuks are also readily available in Parque Principal Guane if you want to get back without worries.
Head West of Town to Take In The View
To be honest, there isn’t a bad sight in Barichara; the town is absolutely gorgeous. You can head in whichever direction you want and the most likely outcome will be panoramas of the wild Colombian countryside. However, I found the western side of town to have the most picturesque views.
Starting from Bioparque Móncora and heading south, you’ll find wonderful spots to relax and take in scenes from the green valley. There are a few roadside observation decks (El Mirador, etc.) as you walk along the edge of town where you can stop.
You can also check out the entrance to the Camino Real Hike just for some nature shots, but my favorite views in the whole town are south of that along Calle 0A.
Starting from Parque Monolito de Piedra at the southwest corner of town and stretching along a dirt path that edges along the canyon to Mirador Salto de Mico might be the prettiest part of Barichara. You know you’re headed in the right direction when you pass a simple arch after the Parque Monolito de Piedra.
It’s easy to just stop at the park and sit in the shade on one of the benches, but I promise it’s worth being in the sun for a few minutes until you reach Mirador Salto de Mico. The viewpoint reminded me a bit of the rock from The Lion King and offers a breathtaking vista of the valley floor.
Shopping and Dining
Barichara is a chilled-out tourist town, so most things are catered around local craftsmanship, food, and the Colombian coffee scene.
HANDICRAFT SHOPS
If you’re looking for some unique souvenirs to take back home, Barichara is a great place to explore. Residents take pride in their handicrafts and it’s clear once you’ve popped into a few stores around town.
Besides the previously mentioned paper workshop, you’ll find some great clothing stores, art studios like De la Tierra Casa Taller, a few photography studios, a cigar factory, plus various other mementos in the craft shops lining the old streets.
For those who love ceramics, there are some wonderful galleries worth stopping by at Galería Cerámica Terracota and BarroVivo Cerámica Galería Taller.
FOOD AND DRINK
Despite Colombia’s reputation as a coffee producer, it’s often hit-or-miss whether a town has cafes worth visiting. The same goes for restaurants, but I found Barichara to be one of the better places to grab a “Cup of Joe” or a bite to eat.
It’s quite international, so if you’re craving Italian, Middle Eastern, or just a decent burger you’ll have no problem finding it.
CAFE & RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS
Barachá Café Artesanal
Chevere Cafe
Nona’s Bread
Café Ritual Barichara
The Cranky Hummingbird
Independencia “cocina y sazón”
Épice
Elvia Restaurante
Bari Comidas
Visit San Gil
In all likelihood, you’ll be passing through San Gil on your way to Barichara. I wasn’t the biggest fan, but that’s more because extreme sports weren’t part of my plans during this trip, and less of San Gil doesn’t have much to offer.
However, if you do want to partake in some adventure activities, the city should definitely be on your radar. Most travelers have San Gil marked down as a must-visit on their Colombia itinerary for this exact reason. With that being said, it’s still a place worth a day trip for those looking to get out of Barichara for the day. In my case, this would have been my preference instead of the almost week-long stay I originally did.
Here are some things to do during a visit to San Gil:
- Head up to La Gruta or Cerro de la Cruz to experience some amazing views of San Gil from above.
- Relax in Parque Principal and capture nice photos of the impressive Catedral de la Santa Cruz.
- Try some local dishes at Mercado Cubierto de San Gil Plaza Norte or stop by Gringo Mike’s San Gil for some more awesome food.
- Explore some nearby nature like the shallow pools at Pozo Azul, Juan Curi Waterfall, the lake at Panaver, or Chicamocha Canyon.
- Get the blood flowing with one of the many adventure sports San Gil has to offer. Some tours and activities worth looking into are paragliding in Chicamocha, mountain biking the canyon, white water rafting in Suarez Canyon, river kayaking, and canyoning in Guane.
Getting There | Buses often leave from the southern end of Barichara’s main plaza near Nona’s Bread.
GETTING AROUND BARICHARA
All the main attractions in Barichara are accessible by foot, so there’s no need to worry about public transport. A local bus (that I mentioned above) runs between Barichara and Guane if you’re not up for the Camino Real hike or just want to go one way. Alternatively, you can use a tuk-tuk between the two. I’m unsure of the prices, but others were using them, so the cost should be reasonable.
To get here, on the other hand, you’ll most likely find yourself coming from San Gil. There are two bus stations of note in San Gil.
Terminalito (maps) | Or, Terminalito Provincial is a small bus station that connects San Gil to other regional towns. This is the station you’ll use to reach Barichara. The drive from San Gil to Barichara takes around 40 minutes and costs 6500 COP one way.
Terminal de Transport San Gil (maps) | This is San Gil’s main bus station and connects the city with further off destinations like Bogotá and Bucaramanga (24000 COP one way). These buses usually stop closer to San Gil’s center along the main road before arriving at the main station. If you’re heading directly to Barichara, I suggest getting off here to be closer to Terminalito to save yourself a taxi ride or lengthy walk.
WHERE TO STAY IN BARICHARA
Despite being on the smaller side, Barichhara has plenty of lodging options. It’s a town built around its charm, and of course, tourism. Expect friendly guesthouses, boutique hotels, and other small, authentic stays. There are some options outside of town if you want an escape, but most properties will be in the blocks surrounding the town plaza. Here are some places to check out:
- Nacuma Garden Hostel & NOMAD Hostal | Two budget-friendly hostel options. Nacuma Garden Hostel is in the town and has a gorgeous property. NOMAD Hostal is a great place for those wanting a getaway feel outside of Barichara.
- Hotel Terra Barichara & Hotel Casa Blanca Barichara by Infinity | Two mid-price options with great properties, and friendly staff.
- Casa Barichara Boutique | A well-loved boutique luxury hotel right inside the town center.
For more options check here.
