Barichara

A little over half an hour in 'minivan' down a steep path from San Gil, we finally got to our destination which was one of the most delightful colonial towns of Colombia: Barichara. This corner is completely lost in time and in the mountains that surround San Gil there is such beauty that you are virtually left haggard. It seems like nothing has changed in Barichara in 300 years, and it has white houses with thick walls with doors and windows painted green or blue and red roofs. The churches of the Immaculate Conception are amazing, representing the Risen Jesus and Santa Barbara, and his beloved cemetery .

Walking through this colonial town is a unique experience, especially if, like us, you visit during Farmer's Day (July 20th in our case). When you get tired of so much peace and quiet, you can go rafting, rappelling and paragliding in nearby San Gil. Don't forget to try the hormigas culonas, a typical regional dish.

To get to this special town in the mountains of Santander, in Colombia, you have to do a hike that is worth doing again and again. It's a village of singular beauty. Its cobbled streets and rammed earth houses make this place a haven of peace and beauty.