Barichara Trek Review: Los Santos & Chicamocha Canyon Full Day

So, you are thinking about taking the Barichara Trek, the one that runs via Jordan to Los Santos and explores the stunning Chicamocha Canyon? It’s quite the hike, and that, is why this review will give you a little of the inside scoop. Getting an idea of just what you are getting into might be useful if you’re on the fence or simply looking for some tips to prep for a full day of adventure.

Why Trek From Barichara Through Jordan to Los Santos?

Well, that entire region of Colombia, the area around Barichara, Santander, actually, offers some truly mind-blowing landscapes, more or less. But more than just pretty sights, you find this walk that is like going back in time. See, these paths are pretty historical; locals used them for ages. What’s quite neat is the switch from Barichara’s rather untouched colonial charm to the expansive views at Chicamocha Canyon.

That contrast alone, in some respects, can be worth the trek. And yet, trekking from Barichara through Jordan to Los Santos? Very much doable as a day trip and really affordable, which, honestly, is something that anyone appreciates, alright?

The Trek Itself: What to Anticipate on the Path

First off, be aware, the Barichara, Jordan, Los Santos bit is not just a walk in the park; the trail tends to be moderately challenging, yet it demands a bit of stamina, it’s almost, for sure. The whole distance clocks around 16-18 kilometers (about 10-11 miles). A lot of that is going to be downhill, just a little, particularly from Barichara to Jordan. However, trust me, what you gain going down, you kinda have to regain towards Los Santos, with some steady climbs.

The landscape really switches up, that. Think old, stone roads, dry, cactus-dotted areas, and cliffside paths looking over the majestic canyon. Starting early, usually around 7 AM or 8 AM, would likely be wise. This really allows you to dodge the brunt of the midday heat and that’s a win, that.

Jordan: A Quiet Hamlet

So, Jordan, is that the stop smack-dab in the middle of your trek. What I found unique there is a teeny, unassuming community, quite unlike the bigger towns. Very few people really call it home these days. Once upon a time Jordan was quite a thriving spot during Santander’s gold rush days, in some respects. Today, what really strikes visitors there are the building ruins which are next to a rather perfectly maintained small central church. It is almost a pause button from a different place in time and space.

You might locate a spot to grab a drink or rest a bit, but don’t depend on fancy restaurants. Instead, think about packing snacks, or a packed lunch from Barichara. You are passing through here anyway so too is Jordan to soak up some historical atmosphere prior to moving onward, right?

The Chicamocha Canyon Views

You’ll begin viewing it even before arriving to Los Santos, you realize, of course. I mean Chicamocha Canyon… it is like Colombia’s very own Grand Canyon, and arguably, the views are seriously impressive. On paths running along the canyon’s border you obtain a perspective on the shear scale and geology, might be. Just, watch your step around edges, alright? Also, have a decent camera handy, because trust us, photographs truly are a must.

Reaching Los Santos

Now that you’ve walked a fairly decent amount, arriving at Los Santos, it gives you a feeling, that. In contrast with Barichara’s warmer temperature, Los Santos is going to be a fair bit cooler due its higher altitude. What I spotted first were tons of lodging options from hostels up to nicer hotels if you wanted, typically. Otherwise, there’s a bus from here getting you back to San Gil, or even onward toward Bucaramanga, without a problem.

Spend some time relaxing, a little, wander around, and perhaps grab a well-earned beer or sample regional Santander delicacies. Remember to factor in transport schedules, very, especially when going during non-peak seasons.

Essential Tips and Guidelines for the Barichara Trek

What to Wear and Pack: Layers truly are key due weather conditions shifting. Have hiking boots (broken in if that is possible!) Sunblock is really important together with a hat plus enough water; consider packing between 2-3 liters personally. A light daypack suits perfectly, too.
Ideal Season: The drier months which generally, run from December through February and then July through August, tend to be better for trekking since rains render trail segments more slippery and perhaps a bit dangerous, more or less.
Level of Fitness: While experience is not really necessary, having moderate fitness does allow one enjoy themselves considerably. Regular walkers typically can handle what the trek dishes out.
Tour Guides Versus Solo Treks: It tends to be entirely plausible tackling it without one, the Barichara Trek, if that is your jam; trails are fairly distinct. However, local guides potentially enrich journeys with expertise in regards plant life, local lore and things of this nature. So, tour guides, they could enhance your trip, that.
Safety First: Inform somebody with reference itinerary including when you’re setting off/projected time for return, might be wise, yeah? Pay attention surrounding livestock; sometimes there can be bulls, and really understand those symptoms regarding heatstroke/exhaustion since weather conditions impact anyone, almost.

Personal Anecdotes: A Few Things That Stick Out

I got an opportunity to walk said trek twice personally and what stands firmly with reference overall both instances had nothing to do with views as such – even with magnificent Chicamocha at work there. Instead I recall people. One farmer sharing water on steep incline as though that’s most common thing, actually, pair youngsters laughing while attempting practice English along another segment… Moments form better memories then pictures manage doing!

Also, I learned, not planning sufficient water contributes toward quite unnecessary distress really fast under sun – that particular episode forced understanding about significance proper preparation perhaps bit harder approach compared reading some article beforehand! Make no error. Even a little rain converts smooth pathways very hazardous underfoot so respect mother nature constantly counts way over skill!

Other Activities Around Barichara & Los Santos

Guane: A rather charming small village near Barichara with pale cobbled roads which are cool plus museums show area history and stuff, almost. It’s accessible rather efficiently thanks frequent buses offering transfers from Barichara at cheap fares too.
Paragliding Over Chicamocha: If hiking beside simply is not extreme enough perhaps glide on-top thanks various choices available near San Gil region giving airborne views like absolutely not ever witnessed! Just picture that panorama under a calm sun.
Explore San Gil: Considered capital regards adventure stuff, anyway, San Gil packs water rafting, abseiling from waterfalls – stuff made thrill chasers extremely fulfilled. Think of adding multi-activity times throughout journey too making sure thrills maintain optimum levels even following quiet ambling along historic walkways elsewhere also tends greatly support variety factors further cementing whole excursion value strongly!

Is the Barichara Trek Worth Your Time?

Short, easy to answer: Absolutely. Provided challenges get matched effectively combined sensible prep combined sensible consideration you will uncover something well beyond average tourist snapshot experience. Barichara combined Chicamocha provides genuinely standout opportunity thanks mix nature coupled cultural historical understanding – extremely unique for such minor travel distance.

FAQ About Barichara Trekking

What is the duration of the trek?

Ordinarily it’s going involve near regarding 6-8 full hours considering pauses and various view taking moments, I assume. Start pretty ahead avoid most scorching periods especially if travelling anywhere around dry peak times I talked on about prior. The Barichara trek isn’t exactly difficult, yet that really isn’t easy neither – so think with reference total period needed while sorting transport plans.

What’s best transportation method arriving Barichara from greater towns or municipalities close

Bus tends easiest most taken preference form transferring over especially if coming coming starting via San Gil or Bucaramanga way tends greatly facilitate thanks regular scheduling thanks big transporters working route segments. Taxicabs/Uber can work alternatively even though typically priced steeply as contrasted shared rider travel systems like regional buses typically serving region without headaches associated costly exclusive services!

How significant tends degree of issue for anyone taking trek Barichara all-way past Los Santos thanks foot solo with relative guides!

Fair amount tends regarded way from challenging thanks largely combination period needed strength demand from walkers together slope gradients involved also with reference variable altitude levels additionally climatic elements combined especially where hotter daytime cycles could induce challenges where inadequate moisture supports taken beforehand, that’s an issue that tends have huge effects for individuals whom perhaps do not generally undertake fairly vigorous physical exertion. With references getting properly adjusted thanks pacing by itself steadily over program along correct dressing along bringing abundant wet supplies and of course with acknowledging restrictions will support reducing much inherent possibility regards major injuries/miscomfort while taking treks similar these specifically lacking guide.

Summing Things Up About Barichara Treks

You will get views; culture immersion and a fun physical workout, so, yeah. So long as you take seriously your prep and what’s needed, this could actually very well become a pretty favorite bit of any South American trip. Just have respect out there, plan safely, and I hope that you take every bit of it.