Sitting amidst the canyons of Colombia’s Andean foothills and lush green mountains is Barichara village, one of the state’s most scenic pueblos. This strangely well-preserved Spanish colonial village attracts visitors with its abundant natural beauty, colorful colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and whitewashed buildings surrounding it.
Because of its significant value and architectural heritage, the village was deemed a national monument in 1975. Touring this village feels like stepping into an open-air museum full of ancient stone plazas, mansions, and chapels showcasing the story of the town’s 18th-century founding. Read on to know this village’s charming activities you can undertake.
Discover the Best Ways to Experience the Magic of Barichara, Colombia’s Most Beautiful Village
As one of Colombia’s nice-looking villages, Barichara is an ideal spot for those who desire to experience small-town Colombian culture and life. From hiking and enjoying the lively village atmosphere to exploring legendary museums and churches, this town offers visitors multiple remarkable ways to spend their time.
Outside appearances, Barichara Colombia also entices visitors with its access to scenic hikes in the neighboring countryside, excellent handicrafts shopping, and a slow-paced, small-town vibe. With its friendly locals and postcard-perfect beauty, it’s easy to see why Barichara charms visitors from across the globe. Below are some of the top activities to do on a visit to this picturesque Colombian village and great ways to experience its charming scenery.
1) Marvel at the Cathedral
Any visitor to Barichara, Colombia, would like to tour the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, a sand-colored centerpiece of the village. Established in the 18th century, this gigantic stone church dominates the central plaza with its outstanding bell towers and palm-shaded terraces.
Get inside this church to admire its complex golden altars and stately neoclassical interior. To dive into its captivating history, you can also view the small Diocesan Museum on site and the eerie crypt below the church.
2) Stroll Down Calle 5
To soak up the historic atmosphere appropriately, you can leisurely stroll down Calle 5, Barichara’s postcard-famous main street. Adjacent to well-preserved Spanish settler homes painted in vibrant greens, blues, and yellows, this atmospheric cobblestone street carries you back centuries.
Grab a bench in the small Barichara Main Park midpoint on Calle 5. Ensure to do some excellent people viewing as locals go about their routine errands.
3) Hike the Camino Real Trail
One of the village’s top charms is hiking a portion of the ancient Camino Real stone trail that leads to the bordering town of Guane. Indigenous people built this old cobblestone trading route before the arrival of the Spanish, and it is still prominent and remarkably intact.
Many individuals hike for about 2 hours and go about 6 km from Barichara to the tiny hamlet of Santa Cruz, taking in beautiful canyon sights along that route. Bring plenty of water and arrive early in the day to enjoy this scenery hiking.
4) Learn History at Casa de la Cultura
Dating from 1944, this traditional colonial home turned museum-provides visitors with a profound look at Barichara’s background and development. Wander through displays that chronicle critical aspects like the village’s craftmaking legacy, architecture, and founding families.
The founder of this cultural establishment was Benjamín Carrión, intending to coordinate, direct, and stimulate the growth of an authentic national culture. Ensure to tour the back garden, which reveals Barichara’s best vista of the Suarez Canyon and mountains beyond.
5) Shop Local Crafts and Coffee
Part of Barichara’s lasting magic originates from its dynamic craftmaking background. The village overflows with artisan stalls and shops selling handmade goods, from jewelry to woven bags and embroidered textiles.
For something exceptional, check on La Casona Antigua’s lovely one-of-a-kind furniture made right in Barichara using traditional approaches. Stop for local organic coffee at Café Ritual Barichara.
6) Savor Local Eats at Bari Dinner
Tucked away on a quiet side street, Bari Dinner brings a modern vibe to Barichara’s dining scene with its globally-themed fare and garden setting. Dive into shareable small plates like their fried chicken and scallop carpaccio.
Don’t miss dessert like their favorite dulce de leche cheesecake. It’s a hip nightlife spot with a great bar program and good tunes.
7) Take a Day Trip to Guane
While tiny, the picture-perfect village of Guane makes an easy and rewarding day trip from Barichara, just 7 km away. Walk Guane’s sleepy streets, admiring its brick buildings and historic adobe before hiking to the dramatic Pozos Azules waterfalls.
Stop into one of Guane’s handicraft workshops or museums as well. Many hiking tour companies offer directive day trips to Guane from Barichara.
8) Dine at Colorful Hotel Hicasua y Centro de Convenciones
For a taste of Barichara’s bohemian side, grab a table at Hicasua y Centro de Convenciones. Built as a charming hostel, each room bursts with colorful artwork and murals.
Food-wise, highlights include coconut rice with shrimp and grilled beef tenderloin in red wine sauce. Make reservations for dinner to experience this Colombian fusion cuisine and one-of-a-kind romantic atmosphere at its best.
9) Peruse Main Plaza and Historic Buildings
To fully experience Barichara, spend time in Parque Principal, the lively central town plaza. Ogle the elaborate mansions framing the plaza, several built before the village itself even existed.
Pop into the Capilla de Santa Barbara, a tiny chapel built in the early 18th century. The plaza’s handsome buildings now house tourism offices, shops, and cafes, making it a hub of activity.
10) Visit the Ancient Ruins at Cabrera and Curití
Just a short drive from Barichara sits two sets of evocative ruins ideal for exploring. The Cabrera ruins contain the remains of an early 17th-century church and cemetery.
Curití features the crumbling walls of an indigenous village initially settled in ancient times. Both sites sit amidst otherworldly landscapes of cacti and make for a great half-day tour with plenty of photos.
11) Try Paragliding for a Bird’s Eye View
For an adrenaline rush and aerial perspective of Barichara’s beauty, sign up for paragliding over the village and Suarez Canyon. You’ll get majestic open-air views during your peaceful glide. Trips depart just a 10-minute drive from town. No experience is required as you fly tandem with an experienced instructor who handles all the hard work.
12) Hike the Otherworldly Camino al Alto
For avid hikers, one of Barichara’s top treks is the half-day Camino al Alto that begins at the lovely Vereda La Capilla trail north of town. Winding through the cactus-studded arid landscape, it leads over the Andean Continental Divide with nonstop vistas.
Look for exotic birdlife like hawks and turbinates soaring above. Going with a guide is recommended to navigate this remote but rewarding route.
13) Watch the Sunset From the Mirador
No spot in Barichara compares to the Mirador lookout platform for catching the sunset. Head up in the late afternoon to watch the sun dip down over the mountains, basking stone cathedral and the village in golden light.
The sensation of standing above the church spires and red tile roofs at sunset here is nothing short of magical. You will see the village’s stunning views and feel the outstanding weather there.
Conclusion
With its beautifully well-maintained Spanish colonial center set amid elegant mountain scenery, Barichara casts a timeless spell on tourists. Spend days hiking old stone trails, admiring historic churches, and wandering cobblestone streets to soak up the genuinely charming atmosphere of this lovely village. It serves up experiences to inspire travelers of all interests.
The village’s endless photogenic streetscapes are sure to offer lifelong memories. Whether seeking culture, adventure, or tranquility, Barichara promises a quintessential and fulfilling small-town Colombian retreat. Let yourself be seduced by Colombia’s prettiest village’s enduring charms and beauty.
