Distance
220 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
2,500 m
Chicamocha Canyon & Barichara Loop.
One of South America's most dramatic canyon roads, descending from Bucaramanga into the 2,000m-deep Chicamocha Canyon before emerging at San Gil — Colombia's adventure capital — and Barichara, considered the country's most beautiful colonial town. Route 45A rolls through switchbacks above ochre canyon walls, crosses the Chicamocha River, and climbs to San Gil. The return via Barichara's whitewashed streets on the canyon rim is unforgettable.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance220 km
Days1
Total climb2,500 m
DifficultyModerate
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The route.
BucaramangaStart · Start in Bucaramanga — the City of Parks at 956m. Head south on Route 45A toward San Gil. Fuel up here; options in the canyon are limited.
Mesa de los SantosScenic Point · The plateau edge above the canyon — dramatic views of the Chicamocha Valley opening below. The PANACHI cable car crosses the canyon 6.3km wide from here.
Chicamocha National Park (PANACHI)Photo Spot · Colombia's most dramatic canyon park. The canyon plunges 2,000m — comparable to the Grand Canyon. Cable car, zip lines, and paragliding available. The scale is only apparent from this rim.
San GilRestaurant · Colombia's adventure capital on the Fonce River. Lunch on the riverside. Whitewater rafting, paragliding, and bungee jumping available. One of the best beginner rafting rivers in South America.
BaricharaScenic Point · By presidential decree, Colombia's most beautiful town. Cobblestone streets, whitewashed walls, terracotta tiles, and bougainvillea above a canyon view. The Camino Real stone path to Guane village starts at the church.
BucaramangaEnd · Return north to Bucaramanga via Route 45A. Allow 90 minutes for the canyon climb at day's end.
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