Welcome back to Curious Perro! This article is part of a series called “Planning A Trip to Colombia During Uncertain Times”. I am in the process of planning my next trip to Colombia at the end of May, this year, 2021 and looking at potential destinations for my adventure. The featured destination for this article is the city of Bucaramanga and the department of Santander in Colombia.
Before traveling to Colombia, it is very important to plan ahead. If you are not a Spanish speaker like me, it becomes doubly important. I recently created an itinerary for a three week trip that included San Andrés, Wayira Beach Hotel in Guajira and Decameron PANACA in the Eje Cafetoria Region of Colombia
In Colombia a department is much like a state in the United States. In addition, we are going to learn about three Heritage Towns (Pueblos Patrimonio) designated by the Colombia’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism as small towns worth checking out in the department of Santander. There are currently a total of 17 designated Heritage Towns in Colombia. We will also visit two other important, regional towns and many amazing, natural parks that are must-see destinations as we explore.
The Department of Santander is one of 32 departments in Colombia. Bucaramanga is the largest city in the department and its capital city. Santander is located North of the city of Bogota and East of the city of Medellin. The department is known for its landscapes, water attractions and its old cultural and historic towns.
Bucaramanga was founded in 1622 and has become the 10th largest city in Colombia, with a population of just less than 600,000 people. It has over 160 parks scattered throughout the city and has been given many nicknames: The City of Parks (La Ciudad de Los Parques) and Colombia’s Beautiful City (La Ciudad Bonita de Colombia). For locals, it is affectionately just called “Buca”. One suggested place to visit in Bucaramanga is The Water Park (Parque de Agua). It is a small waterpark with waterfalls and reportedly perfect for short, peaceful walks.
My trips to Colombia typically start in Medellin. To fly from Medellin to Bucaramanga I would take EasyFly airlines. It is a 55 minute flight one way and costs around $100 round trip per person. I always prefer to travel with a companion, so my cost would be $200 round trip.
I looking on booking.com, I found the Sonesta Hotel Bucaramanga to be a good option. I stayed in one of their sister properties in Bogota and loved it. The Sonesta is offering $44/night, Double Occupancy with King Bed amenities include Swimming Pool, Airport Shuttle, Free Wifi, and Breakfast
Morrorico sits above Bucaramanga to the East. It is considered part of Bucaramanga aka Comuna 14 Morrorico. From there you have a panoramic of the city. It is also home to statue of Sacred Heart. The inhabitants and parishioners of this area believe that the statue does miracles at Easter time.
In Santander, there are officially three Heritage Towns (Pueblo Patrimonios) that are part of “The Tourism Network of Heritage Towns”. The program seeks to promote tourism in a network of small and mid-sized towns that represent aspects of Colombia’s cultural heritage, based on the merits of their architectural, historical, and environmental characteristics, as well as unique cultural identities, which give them the potential to become “true cultural destinations”
The three Heritage Towns are Giron, Socorro and Barichara. We will also visit San Gil and Guadalupe
Giron, aka as San Juan de Girón, and formerly known as Villa de los Caballeros de Girón was founded in 1631. Founded in the colonial times of gold mines and tremendous architectural heritage, it is a national monument. Attractions include: the Museum of Religious Art, with valuable paintings and ancient liturgical objects; The Basilica of the Lord of Miracles, a pilgrimage site; and the Chapel of Corregidor, on the outskirts of town.
Socorro was the Cradle of the Uprising of the Villagers. It was founded in 1681 and thirty years later it was awarded the title of “Very Noble and Loyal Villa”. This town was the center of a revolt between commoners and tax collectors.. In the main square stand monuments to José Antonio Galán, leader of the uprising, and Antonia Santos. Other attractions are the house of culture and the cathedral.
Barichara was founded by the Parra family Pradilla to serve the veneration of the Virgin of the Stone. In May 1975 the town received the title of “Cutest little town in Colombia” and by Resolution 005 of June 1975 was declared a National Monument. Attractions in this village of cobblestone streets and wooden balconies.
San Gil is a historic town with steep streets and on the banks of the river Fonce National Monument. One of its main attractions is the park The Gallineral, occupying an island in the river. It has moss hanging from the trees and the sound of water make it a must-visit site.
Guadalupe is a small, pleasant village with a cute central square and a majestic church (Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de Moguer) and a highlight on nature. The main attraction are the natural pools that lie along several small rivers reachable by foot by a stunning path overlooking the valley below. They are called ‘Gachas’ by the locals call it. Some of them are a only few inches deep others are deep enough for a whole person which have been compared to a jacuzzi. They are very popular with the locals and you will likely don’t see any tourists in here
The parks we will visit as we explore Santander are:
- Parque Nacional del Chicamocha: The Chicamocha National Park Cable Car was inaugurated in January 2009 and offers an exceptional view of the mighty river canyon Chicamocha. The ride can take from 22 minutes at maximum speed (high season) to 30 minutes at regular speed. The visitors of the Chicamocha National Park enjoy a spectacular panorama on the more than 6 kilometer ride with the cable car.
- Gallineral Park: An island like park with almost 100 different plant species. This 10-acre area is formed by the convergence of the Curití river emptying into the Fonce river.
- Juan Curi Waterfall: a wonderful natural spot only a short drive from San Gil. This is a hidden oasis of waterfalls, jungle, canyons and fast rivers. It is a great place for adventurous activities including hiking, diving around and behind and natural waterfall and rappelling.
- Quebrada las Gachas: The holes on the rock and the river are as beautiful as it is seen on photos. I anticipate that the “Gachas” located just outside Guadalupe with be the highlight any trip to this area.
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