Five Captivating Destinations in Santander, Colombia

Santander, Colombia, is a diverse and exciting tourist destination that offers something for every taste. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, history, or just relaxation, this beautiful department has everything you need for an unforgettable vacation.

The department is a dreamy tourist destination with 87 municipalities blessed by nature. Every corner of this department offers a unique opportunity to explore, experience unforgettable emotions, and enjoy exceptional vacations.

Five charming places you must visit in Santander.

1. Chicamocha National Park

This world-class destination is a unique and fascinating place that captivates both locals and foreigners. It is located in the stunning Chicamocha Canyon in Santander. The highlight of this park is the opportunity to cross the canyon in a cable car, making it a one-of-a-kind experience in the world.

Chicamocha National Park offers a wide variety of activities, such as ecotourism, extreme sports, exploration of Santander’s history and culture, restaurants, crafts, museums, paragliding, 4D cinema, canyoning, cable flights, extreme swings, an ice skating rink, and the opportunity to feed ostriches and goats, among many other activities. It is only a 1-hour and 22-minute drive from Bucaramanga and 53 minutes from San Gil, the adventure tourism capital.

2. Barichara

Barichara transports you back in time and immerses you in its atmosphere of calm and beauty. This town is known as the most beautiful in Colombia and has been classified as a National Monument and a Historical and Cultural Heritage of Humanity. With its centuries-old architecture, cobblestone streets, and pleasant climate of 22°C, Barichara is a magical place that will steal your heart.

3. San Gil

San Gil, the capital of adventure tourism, is an ideal destination for adrenaline and nature lovers. Here, you’ll find a wide range of exciting activities such as paragliding, rappelling, rafting, spelunking, canopying, and more. A weekend is not enough to experience everything San Gil has to offer. If you’re looking for adventure and fun, this is the right place.

4. Cerro del Santisimo Park (Floridablanca)

Just 20 minutes from Bucaramanga, the “Sweet City of Colombia,” you’ll find Cerro del Santísimo Park. This place is perfect for contemplative tourism. You’ll experience a contrast of climates and enjoy breathtaking views of the Bucaramanga metropolitan area. You can reach the park by cable car and enjoy multiple shows and cultural activities. The true gem of the park is the majestic sculpture of the Santísimo, which stands 37 meters above a reflecting pool. Two panoramic elevators will take you to a spectacular view at 40 meters above ground.

5. Giron

Girón is one of Colombia’s Heritage Towns and a place that will transport you to the past with its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and calicanto bridges. Its white houses with brown doors and windows preserve the history and charm of this place. Additionally, Girón is a destination for religious expression during Holy Week and the December holiday season, making it a gathering point for thousands of worshippers.