PUEBLOS PATRIMONIO BARICHARA
(Colombian Heritage Towns: Barichara)
Barichara, Colombia
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Hidden among the breathtaking landscapes of Colombia’s Santander region lies the charming pueblo of Barichara. One is readily captivated by the fairy tale mystique of the pueblo, so it is no surprise to discover that this enchanting place served as the inspiration for Disney’s magical film, Encanto.
Barichara
Resting on a high plateau overlooking the Rio Suarez canyon, Barichara offers postcard-pretty vistas around every corner. Locals lovingly maintain centuries-old houses, adorning them with vibrant bougainvillea. Monumental churches and chapels use local reddish-yellow stone, contrasting beautifully with whitewashed houses and vibrant flowers. The sky seems to just extend on forever.
Located at an elevation of 1,146 meters/3,760 feet above sea level, Barichara has a wonderful tropical rainforest climate. The area has a yearly average temperature of about 26c/80f, which is marginally higher than Colombia’s averages.
Barichara typically receives about 570 mm/23 inches of precipitation annually. Barichara is now a Pueblo Patrimonio in the northern Andes, with about 10,000 inhabitants.
Plaza
THE LEGEND
Local legend says the pueblo began after the Virgin Mary appeared on a limestone rock in 1702. Locals built a chapel to honor the apparition, then raised homes nearby, officially founding the town in 1705.
The Roman Catholic Church initially denied the miracle behind Barichara’s origin but later recognized it, granting a parish in 1714. Initially, the pueblo was called Vare-florence, then later Vara-echada and finally Barichara, which means a place for rest in the Guane indigenous dialect, which is a derivative of Chibcha. This church, constructed with the same limestone blocks on which the image of the Virgin allegedly appeared, would in time become the religious centre of the town.
Even so, Spanish authorities considered Barichara part of the municipality of San Gil, the capital of the Guanenta region, despite the residents’ persistent requests for independence, which began advancing more seriously at the beginning of the 19th century. Two years after Gran Colombia became independent in 1819, the government of the great liberator, General Simón Bolívar, granted the pueblo full municipal rights.
PRESENT DAY BARICHARA
In contrast to the modernity of Colombia’s major cities, Barichara rises as a colonial town of incomparable beauty and conservation. The architecture proudly displays the skill of the rock carvers who patiently shaped this little striking pueblo, rock by rock. Barichara is a place with a magical and photogenic atmosphere. In places like this, the clock ticks to a different rhythm.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES
Churches and Chapels
Barichara has four churches, all of which have been built in stone and are a delight with unique architecture.
The Church of the Immaculate Conception (Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción) is Barichara’s most iconic landmark. This stunning church, built in the 18th century from local stone, features a golden façade that glows under the Andean sun. Inside, the church’s high ceilings, intricate wooden altar and ornate chandeliers offer a glimpse into the religious artistry of colonial Colombia. The church is a testament to the era’s craftsmanship and remains a central place of worship and community.
The Festival of the Virgin of the Rosary is one of Barichara’s most significant religious celebrations. Held in October, it includes parades, traditional music and religious ceremonies dedicated to the town’s patron saint. The entire village participates in the festivities, with events in and around Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción. This festival is a testament to Barichara’s strong community bonds and religious heritage.
Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción
At the top of a hill on the outskirts of the pueblo lies the Capilla de Santa Barbara, a delightful 18th-century chapel surrounded by open pasture and picturesque views. The chapel, built from the local sandstone, exemplifies the rustic charm of Barichara’s architecture.
It is a simple design, with a single stone bell tower and modest interior, contrasting with the grandeur of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, offering a more intimate reflection of the town’s spiritual heritage.
Capilla de Santa Barbara
Also, there is the Capilla de Jesús, near the cemetery and the Capilla de San Antonio, which is located to the south of the main plaza.
Craftsmanship and Artisanal Heritage
Stone carving is perhaps Barichara’s most iconic craft. The pueblo’s sandstone quarries have supplied materials for building façades, sculptures and monuments. Visitors can tour stone-carving workshops and watch artisans skillfully transform stone blocks into intricate pieces.
These craftspeople also create small, decorative items, such as figurines and jewellery, which make fabulous, unique souvenirs. The art of stone carving is more than an economic activity in Barichara; it is a legacy that continues to shape the town’s identity.
Barichara is also known for its unique paper-making craft using fique, a natural fibre found in the agave plant. The Papel de Fique Workshop allows visitors to see the entire paper-making process, from harvesting the fibre to drying and pressing it into sheets. Fique paper is used for artisanal stationery, notebooks and decorative items. This eco-friendly craft reflects the pueblo’s commitment to sustainable practices and reverence for natural materials.
Casa de los Artesanos is a co-operative that showcases the work of local artisans, including potters, weavers and stone carvers. The centre provides a venue for artisans to sell their products, with workshops and classes for those interested in learning more about traditional Colombian crafts. Handmade products such as woven bags, ceramics and textiles can be found here, each a testament to the skill and dedication of the town’s artisans.
Cementerio Barichara (Barichara Cemetery) is renowned for its unique design and sculptures. It is a small but very ornate cemetery with elaborate hand-carved tombs.
The graves, adorned with these carved stones, tell stories of the region’s history and culture.
The tombs display many sculptural works in stone and wood, tombstones lovingly carved with figures that suggest the occupation of the deceased. A teacher’s grave displays a stone book, a carpenter his favourite tools.
A wander through the cemetery offers a peaceful and insightful perspective of this beautiful town, filled with art and serenity. The cemeteries of Santa Cruz de Mompox, Bolívar and Barichara are considered the most beautiful in the country.
Cementerio Barichara
SCENIC AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Surrounded by lush hills and deep canyons, Barichara offers stunning landscapes and superb opportunities for outdoor exploration. The area’s wonderful natural beauty adds a contrasting element of adventure and tranquillity to a visit, with trails, miradors (viewpoints) and rivers providing an incredible variety of activities.
El Camino Real to Guane
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One of the most popular activities in Barichara is hiking the Camino Real to the nearby village of Guane. This ancient stone pathway, originally built by the Indigenous Guane people, stretches 9 kms/6 miles through rolling hills and scenic viewpoints.
The stone path is still mostly intact, as well as a small stone wall stretching most of the length of the trail. Two stone pillars mark the beginning of the trail by the mirador on Carrera 11.
El Camino Real
The trail starts off with some dramatically spectacular views of the outer sides of the Saravita Canyon. The weather can be very hot at times, so carry plenty of water.
One of the greatest advantages of the Camino Real is the lack of other sightseers. You likely will have the trail just to yourself. The hike offers sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. It leads to the small village of Guane, where visitors can learn more about the area’s Indigenous heritage at the Guane Archaeological and Paleontological Museum.
Adventure Sports in the Chicamocha Canyon
Barichara’s proximity to the Chicamocha Canyon makes it a prime location for adventure sports. Chicamocha is the world’s second-largest river canyon, after Tsangpo Canyon in Tibet. Activities such as paragliding, mountain biking and rafting are available for those looking to add a dose of adrenaline to their visit.
Paragliding over the canyon offers a unique perspective on one of Colombia’s most dramatic landscapes, with views of the river winding through the gorge and the mountains stretching to the horizon.
Breath-taking Chicamocha Canyon
Experience Cascada Juan Curí
This beautiful waterfall and eco-parque is about an hour’s drive south of Barichara and well worth a visit.
Go white water rafting.
The opportunities abound since Barichara is situated near the confluence of two major rivers, the Rio Fonce and the Rio Suarez. Rio Suarez is especially challenging, with class 4 and 5 rapids.
Miradors (Viewpoints)
For nature lovers and panoramic views enthusiasts, El Salto del Mico mirador is a must-visit. This mirador offers a stunning view of the Suarez River canyon and the landscapes surrounding Barichara. This is the perfect place for spectacular photography allied with moments of tranquillity, while contemplating the beauty of the surroundings.
Another observation point equally as stunning is the Barichara mirador. From here, you will have an uninterrupted view of the pueblo and its surroundings. This is an excellent place to watch the sunset and appreciate the colonial architecture set against the backdrop of green mountains.
Before departing Barichara, enjoy a coffee tasting at Café Alfanía.
Café Alfanía
This bistro offers a comprehensive experience for coffee enthusiasts, from explaining the cultivation and production process to sampling the different varieties grown here. A tremendous opportunity to appreciate the quality of Santander’s coffee and learn to distinguish the different flavours and aromas.
LOCAL CUISINE
Barichara’s culinary scene reflects the rich agricultural heritage of the Santander region. Traditional dishes are prepared with locally sourced ingredients, emphasizing simplicity and flavour.
One of the more adventurous foods to try in Barichara is hormiga culona, or, put another way, big-bottomed ants. This delicacy, unique to the Santander region, is often roasted and seasoned, producing a crunchy texture with a nutty flavour. While it may seem unusual, the ants have been part of the local diet for centuries and are considered a nutritious and sustainable food source.
Statue of the hormiga culona in Barichara
Arepas Santandereanas is another traditional dish in Barichara, distinct from the typical Colombian arepas found elsewhere. These arepas, made from cornmeal and pork fat, are often grilled to a crispy texture and served with local cheese. Their smoky flavour and hearty texture make them popular for breakfast or indeed at any time.
While in Barichara, indulge too in traditional dishes like carne oreada (marinated dried beef), goat, or mute (the most substantial of Colombian soups). For sweeter things, local favourites include torta de almojábana (a cheesy, sweet cake) and dulce de grosellas (caramelized wild berries).
Almojábana
HOW TO GET TO BARICHARA
Barichara is in the department of Santander, 121 km/75 miles from Bucaramanga, the capital of the department, and 350 km/217 miles from Bogotá, the capital of Colombia.
The most convenient way, however, to Barichara is directly from the city of Bucaramanga, which has an airport with flights from Bogotá, Barranquilla, Medellín and Cali. Once in Bucaramanga, take a bus for approximately three hours to Barichara.
Given the consistent year-round climate in Barichara, it is recommended that the use of light tropical clothing is the wisest option. Also, good hiking boots for traversing the cobblestones and trails outside of town. The sun is strong, so hats and high-factor sun protection are imperative.
Barichara is a destination that perfectly blends history, culture, art and the natural environment, offering visitors a rich and diverse experience. No matter whether you are engaging in creative workshops, exploring natural sites, or enjoying a relaxing coffee tasting, there is always something to make you fall in love with in this charming town.
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