A quick guide detailing the viewpoints in Barichara you need to visit for the best scenes of what’s said to be Colombia’s most beautiful town.
Despite their destructive, murderous ways, you can’t deny that the Spanish colonists in Latin America left behind beautiful architecture.
Barichara is a prime example of this. Touted as Colombia’s most beautiful town, its buildings, with their thick stucco walls, arches and courtyards, and the cobblestone streets are enchanting to say the least.
But what makes Barichara extra special is the location. The town sits among rolling hills close to the edge of a cliff overlooking the impressive Rio Suárez Canyon.
The scenes here are just beautiful and the best way to enjoy them is to check out the different viewpoints in Barichara. Read on for a quick explanation of each lookout including how to get to it.
Free viewpoints in Barichara
The town is small and you can get to each of these Barichara lookouts in less than 20 min walking from the central plaza. For the most beautiful views, arrive in time for sunrise or sunset as the soft, golden light makes everything dreamier. Also, these viewpoints are all free to enjoy.
Salto del Mico
This is the best-known viewpoint in Barichara and it’s not hard to see why. The views of the surrounding countryside and Rio Suárez Canyon are amazing and the famous rock jutting out from the cliff edge is the photo opportunity.
If you don’t want to wait in line for a picture standing on the rock, then avoid Salto del Mico from late morning to around late afternoon – this is when most people visit.
However, the great thing about this Barichara lookout is that the entire cliff edge is a viewpoint, not just the rock. So, if you arrive and there are lots of people, you can still get your pictures without having to wait.
Salto del Mico is located just over 1 km from the main plaza next to a new housing estate at the south-western edge of Barichara. There isn’t much uphill walking to reach the viewpoint and here’s the fastest route according to Google Maps.
If you prefer to take a tuc tuc, then expect to pay around 15,000 COP from the main plaza ($3 US).
Mirador de Barichara
At Mirador de Barichara you have similar views to those at Salto del Mico of the Rio Suárez Canyon. To get here from the main square, simply walk all the way along Carrera 6 and then join Carrera 5 as the road bends left.
This viewpoint is nothing special compared to the others on this list, but if you’re passing by it anyway, you may as well check it out.
Viewpoint Los Italianos
At Los Italianos Viewpoint you have what are arguably the best views of the Rio Suárez Canyon and the impressive Santander countryside.
The viewpoint is easily reached as it sits at the top of town just off Carrera 11. To get here, you just need to go all the way up Calle 5 from the main plaza and then, at the top, bear right along Carrera 11 for a minute or so.
The walk is entirely uphill and steepish as you reach the top. A taxi from the main plaza should cost around 6,000 COP ($1.5 US)
Another minute or so along Carrera 11 from Mirador Los Italianos you’ll find the entrance to the Camino Real hike from Barichara to Guane. This is my top recommendation for your stay in Barichara.
Calle El Encanto
At the top of Calle 5, just before you join Carrera 11, you’ll find the best-known spot for views of the town.
The viewpoint is called Calle El Encanto and from here looking down Calle 5 leads your eye all the way to the beautiful church in the main plaza and onto the countryside beyond.
Simply walk up Calle 5 from the main square to reach the lookout. Again, this walk is uphill the whole way and, while I don’t recommend taking a taxi for the 10-min ascent, a tuc tuc should cost around 6,000 COP ($1.5 US).
Biopark Móncora
Leaving the best till last, this is my favourite viewpoint in Barichara. From the top of Biopark Móncora you see everything: the town perched on the cliff edge, the countryside and the Rio Suárez Canyon. As a photographer, this was definitely the best place to snap pictures.
What makes this Barichara lookout even better is that you have to walk through Biopark Móncora to get here. This is free to enter and as you follow the short, winding path, you’ll see a diverse range of plant life.
There are a couple of spots to enjoy the views from the biopark. The first is next to the pylon at the top of the park. The second is beyond the boundary of the park atop a large, rocky mound.
To get to the second viewpoint, hop over the stone wall at the top of the park to join a narrow trail leading uphill.
Follow the trail and soon you’ll come to a wire fence, but there’s a point you can get around it. Continue uphill a little further and you’ll see the large rocks.
The entrance to Biopark Móncora is hidden away and this is how to get here. I’d expect to pay around 10,000 COP ($2 US) for a tuc tuc ride from the main plaza.
Where to stay in Barichara
- Tinto Hostel: a nice, budget hostel close to the main square. A green loro that talks lives here.
- Nacuma Garden Hostel – Casa Nacuma: offering shared and private rooms, the property is well-located in the town.
- Casa Aparicio Lopez: a great budget hotel in Barichara. Prices are similar to a hostel and the location is ideal.
- Hotel Casa Canela By MH: the hotel features a swimming pool and a communal kitchen and breakfast is included.
Enjoy these viewpoints in Barichara
I love that you can easily reach all of these Barichara lookouts without spending any money or having to walk far. They’re the best way to enjoy the stunning scenes this part of Santander has to offer.
While in Barichara you won’t want to miss the Camino Real hike to Guane nor simply strolling around the quaint streets enjoying the architecture.
And you can check out my complete Barichara guide to see all my recommendations for this great town.
Related recommendation: Paragliding at Chicamocha Canyon near San Gil