Exploring Barichara: Is this the most beautiful town in Colombia?
Barichara is considered Colombia's most beautiful town. This small town is quite the wonder with the colonial architecture that has been maintained throughout generations. Our experience here was full of learning about the culture, architecture and history.
Barichara, a small town in the department of Santander, Colombia has been referred to as the most beautiful town in Colombia. The beauty of Barichara comes in different forms, the first that was obvious is the location of it. We drove to this charming little village from San Gil ( the adventure capital of Colombia) via a well paved road that cuts through the Suarez river canyon.
The views were so breathtaking it made the anticipation to get to this town even more palpable.
Then there is the town itself which is truly a wonder with its cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and captivating surroundings, Barichara offers a unique glimpse into Colombia's rich heritage. In fact it is one of Colombia's heritage towns (Pueblos Patrimonial ) due to the maintenance of the culture and heritage throughout the generations.
This charming little village really boasts authenticity through its history, awe-inspiring architecture, and vibrant culture. Another example of a Pueblo Patrimonial is La Playa de Belen where we hiked the Los Estoraques Nature Reserve.
We found a wonderful campground that was about 40 minutes walking into town, Camping Guaimaro was a wonderful space created by a Dutch couple Joep and Juul. They took an old tobacco farmhouse and converted it into their beautiful home and the rest of the finca has been converted into an overlanders paradise. It was the perfect place to relax but also use as a base to do some hiking around.
What I absolutely loved about Juul and Joep was how they incorporated nature into their everyday lives.
The beautiful homestead and campground offered ample space for campers, a functioning kitchen and much needed hot showers, a rarity in overland travel.
Nestled amidst Colombia's lush landscapes, the campground stands as a testament to sustainable living and conscious harmony with nature. They have implemented a range of eco-friendly practices to minimize the ecological impact and preserved the natural beauty of their surroundings. Their land provides their food including these nuts sacha inchi which have a high protein content and are known to contain significant essential and non essential amino acids.
Sacha Inchi nuts
Soap nuts husks drying. The drying is important and storing them before drying leads to mold rendering them useless.
One thing that they used for laundry were soap nuts. I had never heard of this before and I was fascinated by how it worked. Soap nuts, also known as soapberries, are a natural and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional laundry detergents. They dried the husks and this is what they use for laundry.
Joep showed me how about 10 of the husks placed in a bag will wash multiple loads of laundry until the husks completely break down. I did two loads of laundry and they came out smelling fresh and looking very clean.
Land art spirals
We used this a base to do some hiking. The first hike we did was walking into the town. The views of the Suarez river valley are simply breathtaking. The hike itself was not a common trail and was in some parts overgrown with grass but it was a path that we could tell was used by a few people.
We enjoyed the view of the Suarez valley the whole way and even got to enjoy some land art spirals close to town. It took us about 40 minutes on this hike and got into town in time for our hunger to kick in and went to enjoy some amazing pizza.
Architectural Marvels:
One of the most captivating aspects of Barichara is its architectural beauty. Strolling through the town's cobblestone streets and admiring the impeccably preserved colonial buildings is such a treat. The buildings have beautiful white facades, red-tiled roofs, and ornate balconies adorned with vibrant flowers. The doors are always something to admire. In fact, I was taking a photo of a door knob when the resident invited us in to see her house.
It was a beautiful homestead with multiple rooms and a courtyard in the middle. The homes are built with tapia, earth and mud that are used to build the walls and then they are painted in white. This technique of building ensures that the homes stay cool in the heat of the day, however the mud also traps this heat and releases it during the night when it's cold.
It was such a wonderful experience being invited into this home to admire it's architecture.
Explore the Historic Town Center:
The town's centerpiece is the stunning Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture that commands attention with its grandeur and intricate detailing.
We hang out around the square admiring the on goings of the town. The slow paced, laid back lifestyle is quite enchanting. After the hike into town, it was wonderful to unwind in this little village and savour the tranquility it offers. It was a week day and it was very quiet, I would imagine the weekends would be full of tourists and locals enjoying the days off.
Discovering the local artisan crafts.
We also got to learn a little bit about traditional handicrafts. Barichara is renowned for its skilled artisans who create beautiful crafts using traditional techniques. We learnt about the fibers from the agave plant that are used to create wonderful rugs that are found in the homes around here as well as around Colombia. We had been looking for a rug for our van and ended up finding the perfect one in this town. It was a combination of its colours and texture that made it a welcome addition to our little home on the road.
The agave plant provides the fibers for weaving.
The other thing to enjoy is the stone works, everywhere you look, there are beautiful stone sculptures. On the road between San Gil and Barichara, it is easy to enjoy the stone masonries that have set up their stalls alongside the road.
Experience Local Cuisine:
We had worked up quite the appetite after our hike from the campground and pizza sounded amazing. One of the other campers had recommended a pizza place that was right the plaza. The pizza really hit the spot.
A very common delicacy in this area are hormigas culonas, which is English translates to big ass ants. These roasted giant ants are such a local delight and we were able to sample them while here. They have an earthy taste but it also depends on the roaster as the different ones we sampled had different tastes.
Hike the Camino Real to Guane:
We embarked on this scenic hike along the ancient stone path connecting Barichara to the neighboring town of Guane enjoying the panoramic views of the picturesque countryside along the way. Read about this historic road on the separate blog post.
Practical tips for visiting Barichara:
Getting There:
The closest major airport to Barichara is in Bucaramanga, which receives domestic and international flights. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a pre-arranged transfer to Barichara, approximately a 3-hour drive away. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Bucaramanga to Barichara, which offers a more budget-friendly option. The buses from Bucaramanga will be taking a stop at the town of San Gil where a transfer may be required.
Best Time to Visit:
Barichara enjoys a pleasant climate year-round, but the ideal time to visit is during the dry season, from December to March and July to September. The weather is typically mild and sunny, making it perfect for exploring the town and undertaking outdoor activities. Keep in mind that weekends and holidays can be busier, so plan accordingly if you prefer a quieter experience.
Choosing Accommodation:
Barichara offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. You'll find boutique hotels, guesthouses, and cozy bed and breakfasts, many of which are located within the historic center. Consider staying in one of the colonial-style accommodations to enhance your experience. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Exploring the Town:
Barichara is a small town that can be easily explored on foot. Comfortable walking shoes are a must due to the cobblestone streets. Remember to carry a map or use a navigation app to help you navigate the narrow streets and find your way to the main attractions. Don't hesitate to ask locals for directions—they are friendly and eager to assist.
Safety Precautions:
Barichara is generally a safe destination, but it's always wise to take basic safety precautions. Keep your belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas. It's advisable to use a money belt or keep your valuables in a secure bag to deter pickpockets. Additionally, it's recommended to avoid walking alone late at night and to use well-lit routes.
Embracing the Culture:
Barichara has a rich cultural heritage, and embracing the local customs will enhance your experience. Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to communicate with the locals, as English may not be widely spoken. Respect the town's traditions and customs, such as dressing modestly when visiting religious sites. Take part in local festivals and celebrations if your visit aligns with any special events.
Sample Local Cuisine:
Barichara boasts a delicious culinary scene that shouldn't be missed. Indulge in traditional Colombian dishes such as arepas, empanadas, and sancocho—a hearty soup. Don't forget to try the regional delicacy, Hormigas Culonas (Big-bottomed Ants), which is a unique culinary experience. Explore the local markets for fresh tropical fruits and homemade treats to savor the flavors of the region.
Money:
Some shops and artisans may not accept credit cards and so it is always advisable to bring cash with you. Because this is a small town, I recommended coming to Barichara with enough cash from San Gil or Bucaramanga, the reason is because we have experienced where the bank in a small town run out of cash.