Quick Barichara Travel Guide (+ Map)
TL;DR
Looking for Colombia’s most beautiful town without the tourist crowds? Barichara is the quiet, cobblestone escape you didn’t know you needed – complete with epic views, artisan charm, and the iconic Camino Real hike. Our Barichara travel guide has everything you need to plan the perfect trip.
If you’re dreaming of a quiet colonial town far from the tourist crowds, Barichara might just be the perfect escape. Often called the prettiest town in Colombia, this hidden gem offers cobblestone streets, breathtaking canyon views, and a peaceful vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere.
While popular spots like Guatapé or Villa de Leyva are beautiful, they’re also busier and more commercial. Barichara, on the other hand, feels like stepping back in time – no honking traffic, no big tour groups, just serene whitewashed streets and warm local hospitality.
We put this guide together after falling in love with Barichara ourselves. Whether you’re coming for a day or planning to stay overnight, we’ll walk you through everything – how to get there, where to stay, what to eat, and the best things to do (including a stunning hike on the Camino Real and a visit to nearby Guane).
So if you’re wondering whether Barichara is worth the detour, trust us, it is. Let’s show you why.
Barichara Travel Guide
Barichara Colombia Map
Is Barichara Worth Visiting?
Barichara is often called the prettiest town in Colombia, and we are inclined to agree. While other Colonial towns like Giron or Guatape are pretty as well, they are a lot busier. Barichara was neither full of cars nor full of tourists when we visited, and we loved the quiet vibe.
You can wander the white streets, go on hikes, enjoy stunning views across the canyon of the Rio Suarez, and visit museums. Barichara might be quiet, but you won’t get bored!
Whether you only visit one Colonial town or many, Barichara should be on top of your list!
How to Get to Barichara
Buses from the terminalito in San Gil to Barichara leave super regularly throughout the day. You can just hop on and pay in cash.
How to Get Around Barichara
Barichara is very walkable.
In case you don’t want to walk, you can hire a tuk-tuk from the main square (just where the bus drops you off).
Where to Stay in Barichara
Like in all of the region, we’re fans of the Trip Monkey hostels, and the Trip Monkey Barichara is no exception. The location is great and the value for money can’t be beaten.
Things to Do in Barichara
1. Barichara Main Park
Your first point of contact with Barichara will most likely be the main park, as this is where the buses from San Gil stop. It’s also where you can grab a tuk-tuk.
Around the park, you can visit the Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception and the Casa de la Cultura.
2. Go on a Free Walking Tour
We love going on a free walking tour everywhere we go. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to the one in Barichara as the English tour leaves at 9:30 am. The reviews are great, though, and you have literally nothing to lose, so we recommend you check it out!
3. Wander the Streets
It might be the basic b*tch of all recommendations but in Barichara, this is your main must-do. It’s absolutely worth your while getting lost in the cobblestone streets lined with white houses. Some of the spots you shouldn’t miss are
- The Chapel of San Antonio.
- The corner of Calle 5 with Carrera 11 for the best view in town.
- Calle Real or Calle 6, full of artisan shops and beautiful cafes.
4. Parque Para Las Artes Jorge Delgado Sierra
At the top of Calle Real, you’ll encounter Parque Para Las Artes Jorge Delgado Sierra right next to Santa Barbara Chapel. The park is free to visit and combines lovely views with unique sculptures.
5. Barichara Cemetery
On your walk through town, you shouldn’t miss Barichara Cemetery. It reflects the art, history, and traditions of Barichara. Located beside the Chapel of Jesus, the cemetery features hand-carved tombs, often personalised to reflect the lives of the deceased – a book for a teacher, tools for a carpenter, and chisels for a stoneworker.
6. Salto del Mico
The Salto del Mico viewpoint is a short walk from the centre of town. From here, you’ll have the best view across the Canyon of the Rio Suarez.
7. Hike the Camino Real
The Camino Real or Royal Road is one of the most popular hikes in all of Colombia. The stretch from Barichara to Guane is the most popular part of the hike. It is 6.2 km (3.8 mi) long and leads mostly downhill in this direction.
The hike took roughly 2 hours and was relatively easy. Despite it being a popular hike, we barely met other hikers.
From the main square in Guane, you can take a bus back to Barichara.
8. Visit Guane
Guane felt like an absolutely hidden gem. If you think the cobblestone streets of Barichara are cute, you might find the streets of Guane even cuter.
Don’t miss the main square with the Parroquia San Isidro de Guane, the Museo Arquelógico y Paleontológico de Guane, as well as the omnipresent “Yo ❤️ Guane” sign.
In case you’re hungry, you’ll find plenty of food options.
Where to Eat in Barichara
We only spent one day in Barichara, so Independencia “cocina y sazón“ was the only restaurant we tried. We absolutely loved the views, the food was yummy, and the service was amazing.
How Many Days in Barichara Do You Need
Many travellers visit Barichara as a day trip from San Gil.
If you have the time, we recommend spending one night in Barichara – especially if you want to hike the Camino Real to Guane (or further).
Barichara Tips
ATMs in Barichara
You can find several ATMs from different banks around the main square.
Supermarkets in Barichara
There’s a D1 in the centre of Barichara, so there’s no need to go hungry.
Internet in Barichara
We had no problem with our internet connection in Barichara itself. Our connection did get a bit spotty on the Camino Real, so we highly recommend downloading an offline map.
Is Barichara Safe
Barichara only has around 7000 inhabitants. We felt very safe. Additionally, there’s not really a reason to be out and about late.
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