Things to do in Bucaramanga, Santander Department: The Best Sightseeing Tours

May 21, 2022 Janette Largent

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

BnB Colombia Tours (Santander)
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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 - San Gil Extreme Sports (Adventure)

Wolf Tours Colombia
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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

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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. City Tour por la Ciudad Bonita

Cra. 33 #46-61, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia Alejandra Prada
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Caminaremos a través de una ciudad llena de historia a pesar de sus edificios contemporáneos y podremos entender el porqué de la reputación de la gente santandereana.

Inclusions: Recorrido guiado , Coffee and/or Tea, Entrada al museo

Exclusions: Private transportation

4. Barichara and Juan Curí Waterfalls

BnB Colombia Tours (Santander)
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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. 7 Days Bogotá and the Andes

BnB Colombia Tours (Bogota)

Starting in Bogotá, you’ll explore the oldest neighborhood; La Candelaria. Followed by receiving some amazing views of the capital city from the great height of Monserrate. Next, you’ll explore the Salt Mine Cathedral of Zipaquira, and walk through the labyrinth of chambers 600ft below ground. Continue your day with a stop in the artisan town of Raquira. And finish staying the night in the 400-year-old colonial town of Villa de Leyva, with its cobblestone streets and amazing architecture. You’ll voyage into Santander, where you’ll find the most beautiful town in Colombia; Barichara. You’ll enjoy 2 nights in this wonderful location, as well as exploring the Juan Curí waterfalls, surrounded by natural beauty. Next, it’s onto the heritage town Giron, for a cable car ride to the Santisimo Ecoparque. Enjoy the spectacular views from a viewing platform above a 121 ft. giant statue of Christ. To finish you’ll also enjoy the beautiful water and light show and simply sensational sunset.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Entrance Fees, 6 Nights Accommodation

Exclusions: Meals and drinks not mentioned in the plan, Experiences and Transportation not mentioned in the plan, Personal expenses and tips

6. 10-Day Breathtaking Barichara & The Caribbean

BnB Colombia Tours (Santa Marta)

10 amazing days on a Private Tour of Colombia! Explore the most beautiful town in Colombia; Barichara along with magnificent waterfalls, tropical jungles, magical beaches, crystal clear oceans, an ancient city, a mud volcano, a day on the amazing Rosario Islands and of course Cartagena! This 10-day tour combines adventure, history, and more – it’s also simply the best way possible to spend your time in the spectacular country of Colombia!

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Airport Pickup and drop-off, Pickup and Drop-off from your accommodation, Transport in private air conditioned vehicle, 9x nights accommodation in double rooms in your choice of 3, 4, or 5-star hotels

Exclusions: Meals and drinks not mentioned in the plan, Experiences and transportation not mentioned in the plan, Personal expenses and tips

7. Bucaramanga, PANACHI Canyon Cable Car + Barichara tour

BnB Colombia Tours (Santander)

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

8. Barichara to Guane Hike and Gastronomical Tour

BnB Colombia Tours (Santander)

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

9. Barichara Private Day Tour from Bucaramanga

BnB Colombia Tours (Santander)

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

10. Santander Extreme

San Gil, Santander, Colombia Agencia de Viajes y Turismo Opción Travel

Santander 7 days Discover the charm of a land full of history and adventure. Ideal for: Families, couples. Destination: San Gil, Páramo, Barichara, Curiti, Panachi. Duration: 6 days and 5 nights. Restrictions: older than 10 years and older, good physical and health status is required. Daily departures

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Air-conditioned vehicle

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