Location: Bucaramanga
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What to do and see in Bucaramanga, Santander Department: The Best Day Trips from
Bucaramanga (Spanish pronunciation: [bukaɾaˈmaŋɡa]) is the capital and largest city of the department of Santander, Colombia. Bucaramanga has the fifth-largest economy by GDP in Colombia, has the lowest unemployment rate and has the ninth-largest population in the country, with 521,857 people. Bucaramanga has over 160 parks scattered throughout the city and has been given the nickname "La Ciudad de Los Parques" ("The City of Parks") and "La Ciudad Bonita de Colombia" ("Colombia's Beautiful City").
Restaurants in Bucaramanga
1. Panachi - Chicamocha National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
The Chicamocha Canyon is over 125 miles long (200 km) and from the river to its tallest peak approximately 1.25 miles (2000 m) high. This makes it a greater depth than the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The piece de resistance is the cable car which travels 0.75 miles (1200m) down into the canyon and also up on the opposite side, with a total travel time of ½ hour giving you plenty of time to take the perfect photo. The actual theme park is a combination of historical and cultural events as well as supplying more adventurous activities such as climbing an artificial waterfall, zip lining, an extreme swing, virtual reality, a waterpark, trampolines and more.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Bilingual Guide for entire tour time, Entrance fees, 2x Cable Car rides, Stop at Café Mesa de los Santos: Opportunity to buy some of the most exclusive coffee in Colombia
Exclusions: Meals and drinks not mentioned in the plan, Experiences and transportation not mentioned in the plan, Personal expenses and tips
2. Private Tour - Barichara (Culture)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Barichara, known as the most beautiful town in Colombia, is famous for its colonial architecture, the quiet cobbled streets, adobe houses, artisan workshops and its craft shops. You will see amazing churches, chapels, graveyards, sculptures and parks. Also, you will be entering the stores where the handcrafted goods are made and sold. These handcrafted goods include baskets, paper, clothes, bags, shoes, little figures, dreamcatchers, etc. and are great souvenirs you can take back home. You will have the chance to make your own handcrafted paper from the local plant Fique, an experience that you do not want to miss. There are amazing viewpoints of the Suarez Canyon that will be visited during the walking tour. If you wish to do a physical activity, you will have the opportunity to walk down the Camino Real. It is a trail that was build 150 years ago by the famous German immigrant Geo von Lengerke. The complete hiking trail is about 5 km (3.1 miles) long and takes you about 2 hours.
Inclusions: Private transport to Barichara, Walking tour in Barichara, entrances included, Paper processing experience, Hiking trail “Camino Real” to Guane (if you desire to hike for 2 hours) and ride back to Barichara, Lunch included in Barichara, English-, Spanish- and/ or German-speaking accompaniment, Travel insurance
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Ted E
In February/March 2020 our family group of four spent 8 days in Colombia, 3 in Bogota and 5 in the Department of Santander. Wolf Tours handled all of the arrangements and tours in Santander, and they did a superb job. Just before we arrived, an avalanche blocked the main road from Bucaramanga to San Gil. Dominic saved the day by adjusting our schedule. Among our activities were visits to Giron, Santisimo, Chicamocha Canyon, a cacao finca, a pineapple planation, Lago Topocoro and Rio Sogamoso, and Paramo Santurban (highlight of trip for me, unique ecosystem at 12,000 feet above sea level.) Our guide Carlos was exceptional-- well informed, helpful, patient. Perfectly fluent in English, he also helped us practice our Spanish. By the end of our trip, he became a member of the family, and with our highly professional driver Hector, we formed a real team. Our group gives Wolf Tours and guide Carlos our highest and most enthusiastic recommendation. We are already planning a trip to Barichara, Socorro, and the Department of Boyaca with Carlos.
3. Private Tour - San Gil Extreme Sports (Adventure)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
San Gil is the adventure capital of Santander. You can do river rafting, paragliding, zip lining, bungee jumping, canyoneering, caving, mountain-biking, etc. in San Gil or near the town. In one day it is possible to do up to 2 or 3 different activities. River rafting can be done on 3 different rivers: the Fonce River (45,000 COP) which is up to class III rafting (medium), the Chicamocha River (180,000 COP/ full day) which is class IV (advanced) and the Suarez River (130,000 COP) which is up to class V rafting (advanced/ extreme). The paragliding sites are Curití (80,000 COP) and the Chicamocha Canyon (180,000 COP). The zip lines (30,000 COP) and the bungee-jumping platform (70,000 COP) are located in San Gil. Canyoning is climbing down of the Juan Curí Waterfalls (70,000 COP) on a secured rope and for the caving activity you have a professional guide and hike through the Indian Cave or the Cow Cave (30,000 COP) for approx. 2 hours. Prices listed in parenthesis might change slightly.
Inclusions: Private transport to San Gil, Transport to all the sites of the extreme sports that you wish to do, Lunch in a typical Colombian town market in San Gil, English-, Spanish- and/ or German-speaking accompaniment, Guarantee of fair prices for any additional activity (as listed above in parenthesis), Travel insurance and additional insurances for extreme sports
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Ted E
In February/March 2020 our family group of four spent 8 days in Colombia, 3 in Bogota and 5 in the Department of Santander. Wolf Tours handled all of the arrangements and tours in Santander, and they did a superb job. Just before we arrived, an avalanche blocked the main road from Bucaramanga to San Gil. Dominic saved the day by adjusting our schedule. Among our activities were visits to Giron, Santisimo, Chicamocha Canyon, a cacao finca, a pineapple planation, Lago Topocoro and Rio Sogamoso, and Paramo Santurban (highlight of trip for me, unique ecosystem at 12,000 feet above sea level.) Our guide Carlos was exceptional-- well informed, helpful, patient. Perfectly fluent in English, he also helped us practice our Spanish. By the end of our trip, he became a member of the family, and with our highly professional driver Hector, we formed a real team. Our group gives Wolf Tours and guide Carlos our highest and most enthusiastic recommendation. We are already planning a trip to Barichara, Socorro, and the Department of Boyaca with Carlos.
4. Barichara and Juan Curí Waterfalls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
As soon as you arrive you’ll be able to see the top waterfall and it won’t disappoint. With a combined height of 820 ft (250 m) these waterfalls are both impressive and peaceful at the same time. You’ll enjoy the 25-minute trek via the tropical rainforest to get to the lower waterfalls and a swimming spot where you can simply relax and enjoy this idyllic scene. Once you’ve soaked up this amazing landscape and committed every part of this tremendous morning to memory you will head off to the wonderful town of Barichara. After spending only a few moments in Barichara you’ll completely understand why it is called the most beautiful town in Colombia and quite possibly the world. You will fall in love with the colonial architecture, cobbled roads and artisan workshops. You’ll cherish the spectacular views of the Suarez Canyon and relish the experience of making by hand your very own paper. You’ll savor your lunch and also have an opportunity to take a 2-hour hike to Guane.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Bilingual Guide for entire tour time, Entrance fees, Lunch, Walking tour of Barichara, Making Paper by Hand experience, Hiking “Camino Real” to Guane (2 hrs) – optional, no extra cost., Juan Curí Tour
Exclusions: Meals and drinks not mentioned in the plan, Experiences and transportation not mentioned in the plan, Personal expenses and tips
5. Bucaramanga, PANACHI Canyon Cable Car + Barichara tour
More than just a transfer to Barichara from Bucaramanga. This tour includes a 30-minute cable car ride through the Chicamocha Canyon, a tour of PANACHI with its magical views, and a tour of the most beautiful town in Colombia; Barichara!
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Bilingual Guide, Entrance Fees
Exclusions: Meals and drinks not mentioned in the plan, Experiences and Transportation not mentioned in the plan, Personal expenses and tips
6. Barichara to Guane Hike and Gastronomical Tour
Hiking from Barichara to Guane is one of the must-do hikes during your stay in Santander, Colombia. And the only way to make this an even more fantastic experience is to finish up with a wonderful 3-hour gastronomical tour through Barichara!
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Bilingual Guide for entire tour time, Entrance fees, Lunch, Walking tour of Barichara
Exclusions: Meals and drinks not mentioned in the plan, Experiences and transportation not mentioned in the plan, Personal expenses and tips
7. Barichara Private Day Tour from Bucaramanga
Often referred to as the most stunning and beautiful Colombian town, Barichara is renowned for its colonial architecture, peaceful cobbled roads, artisan workshops, adobe houses and the craft shops within. On you tour you’ll visit remarkable chapels, churches, graveyards, parks and sculptures. You’ll checkout some of the best-handcrafted artisan shops where you can pick up a unique souvenir. You’ll also have the opportunity to use a local plant called Fique to make your very own handmade paper. After you’ve mastered the art of papermaking or at least given it a good try, you’ll checkout the incredible views of the Suarez Canyon at the edge of the town. At this point you have the choice of strolling around Barichara and taking more photos or exploring the Camino Real trail (or at least part of it) and hiking for about 2 hours to Guane. This trail was built by Geo von Lengerke, a famous German immigrant about 150 years ago and is approximately 3 miles (5 km) long.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Bilingual Guide for entire tour time, Entrance fees, Walking tour of Barichara, Making Paper by Hand experience, Hiking “Camino Real” to Guane (2 hrs additional time) – optional, no extra cost.
Exclusions: Meals and drinks not mentioned in the plan, Experiences and transportation not mentioned in the plan, Personal expenses and tips
8. Private Tour - Horse-Riding La Lajita (Nature)
The Hacienda La Lajita is a large farm located next to the Topocoro Lake. It has beautiful grassland with an incredible view on the Topocoro Lake that was created due to the dam “Represa Hidrosogamoso”. The farm is the perfect place to do horse-riding (or drive a four-wheeler/ quad-bike). A guide of the farm will lead you to the best viewpoints of the farm. Hacienda La Lajita also has a nice restaurant with a small swimming pool for children. After lunch you will be free to have some drinks or just to enjoy the quiet atmosphere in the nature.
Inclusions: Private transport to Hacienda La Lajita, Access to the Hacienda La Lajita, Horse-riding (approx. 1 hour), optional without additional cost: four-wheeler/ quad-bike, Lunch at the Hacienda La Lajita, Visit of the Topocoro Lake, English-, Spanish- and/ or German-speaking accompaniment, Travel insurance and additional insurance for extreme sports
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Ted E
In February/March 2020 our family group of four spent 8 days in Colombia, 3 in Bogota and 5 in the Department of Santander. Wolf Tours handled all of the arrangements and tours in Santander, and they did a superb job. Just before we arrived, an avalanche blocked the main road from Bucaramanga to San Gil. Dominic saved the day by adjusting our schedule. Among our activities were visits to Giron, Santisimo, Chicamocha Canyon, a cacao finca, a pineapple planation, Lago Topocoro and Rio Sogamoso, and Paramo Santurban (highlight of trip for me, unique ecosystem at 12,000 feet above sea level.) Our guide Carlos was exceptional-- well informed, helpful, patient. Perfectly fluent in English, he also helped us practice our Spanish. By the end of our trip, he became a member of the family, and with our highly professional driver Hector, we formed a real team. Our group gives Wolf Tours and guide Carlos our highest and most enthusiastic recommendation. We are already planning a trip to Barichara, Socorro, and the Department of Boyaca with Carlos.
9. Private Tour - Chicamocha National Park (Panachi)
The Chicamocha National Park also known as “Panachi” is located in the heart of the Chicamocha Canyon. The Chicamocha Canyon is more than 200 km long and from its highest peak down to the river approx. 2000 m deep. That means it is deeper than the famous Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA. The main attraction is the cable car that goes 1200 m down the canyon and up on the other side (duration: 30 minutes). The theme park combines cultural and historical elements and offers adventurous activities such as an extreme swing, climbing down an artificial waterfall, virtual reality, zip lining, a waterpark, etc. Panachi is divided into three parts: The lower part at the cable car station is a little town representing Barichara with its colonial architecture. Going up more than 100 stairs you will find the monument “Monumento a la Santandereanidad” which represents the Revolution of the Comuneros, the first step of the Colombian independence. The third part is a 360-degree viewpoint of the canyon.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Lunch, 2 rides with the cable car through the Chicamocha Canyon, Entrance to the Chicamocha National Park, English-, Spanish- and/ or German-speaking accompaniment, Passing by Café Mesa de los Santos where Colombia´s most exclusive coffee is sold, Entrance to the Chicamocha Waterpark; optional: zip lining, extreme swing, canyoning, 4D-cinema, etc, Travel insurance
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Ted E
In February/March 2020 our family group of four spent 8 days in Colombia, 3 in Bogota and 5 in the Department of Santander. Wolf Tours handled all of the arrangements and tours in Santander, and they did a superb job. Just before we arrived, an avalanche blocked the main road from Bucaramanga to San Gil. Dominic saved the day by adjusting our schedule. Among our activities were visits to Giron, Santisimo, Chicamocha Canyon, a cacao finca, a pineapple planation, Lago Topocoro and Rio Sogamoso, and Paramo Santurban (highlight of trip for me, unique ecosystem at 12,000 feet above sea level.) Our guide Carlos was exceptional-- well informed, helpful, patient. Perfectly fluent in English, he also helped us practice our Spanish. By the end of our trip, he became a member of the family, and with our highly professional driver Hector, we formed a real team. Our group gives Wolf Tours and guide Carlos our highest and most enthusiastic recommendation. We are already planning a trip to Barichara, Socorro, and the Department of Boyaca with Carlos.
10. Explore the moor and natural lagoons
Live the best experience in the moor of Santurban located 3 hours from the city of Bucaramanga, there you will find lagoons, depending on the time of year (wild animals or birds) We will go to the municipality of Vetas three hours from the city of Bucaramanga; This town is has the highest altitude being at 3350 meters above sea level, from there we will go to the farm of two peasants of this beautiful town, and we will begin the ascent walk, with a duration of 40 minutes one way and 30 minutes of back, we can find 2 beautiful lagoons "lagoon bird" and "lagoon the streets" with great stories to tell.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Bottled water, All Fees and Taxes, Snack
Exclusions: Lunch
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