The royal road: from Bogotá to Barichara

Día 1: Bogota

italy/bogotá (-/-/-)
let yourself be surprised by a place where history and natural beauty blend in perfect harmony. discover the royal roads – the legendary royal roads – cradle of colombian independence, winding through majestic mountains, lush vegetation, and breathtaking waterfalls that seem like something out of a dream.
but the true treasure of santander is hidden in its small enchanted villages, hidden gems off the beaten tourist paths. here time seems to have stopped: ancient colonial houses perfectly preserved, quiet squares, and traditions still alive today in the hands of local artisans. a journey into the past, authentic and genuine.
to finish beautifully, get ready to fall in love with barichara, considered by many the most charming village in all colombia. a place suspended between sky and earth, where every corner tells a story and every sunset gives emotions.

pick-up from el dorado international airport in bogotá (bog), the lively colombian capital located over 2,600 meters above sea level, in the andes. transfer to hotel and check-in. free time to start exploring the city or simply relax after the journey. dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel.

Día 2:

bogotá/oiba (b/l/d)
departure for a fascinating road trip through the rolling and very green landscapes of the departments of cundinamarca, boyacá, and santander. stop at the famous puente de boyacá, symbolic place where the decisive battle for colombian independence was fought in 1819. after lunch at a typical restaurant, continue the journey to oiba, a picturesque village surrounded by cultivated hills and winding rivers. overnight at a local facility. travel time: about 9 hours.

Día 3:

oiba/charalá (b/l/d)
after breakfast, departure for the first day on horseback for an immersive excursion from oiba to charalá, crossing lush forests and mountainous terrain with pleasant temperatures around 20°c. along the way, stop at a rural house for a homemade lunch, an opportunity to experience authentic local hospitality. arrival in charalá, considered the cradle of colombian independence. visit the historic center, the cathedral, and the legendary saman árabe, a centuries-old tree of arabic origin. also visit a craft workshop where cotton is processed following ancient traditions. walk through the cobbled streets of the village. overnight at a local hotel.

Día 4:

charalá/páramo (b/l/d)
departure at 9:00 am for a new day on horseback, following the valley of the fonce river, which offers spectacular views among hills, plantations, and waterfalls. stop at the spectacular juan curi waterfalls for a moment of relaxation and a traditional lunch in a restaurant immersed in nature. continue to páramo, a quiet mountain village famous for its stone and wood church, one of the most beautiful in the region. overnight at a cozy hotel with panoramic pool.

Día 5:

páramo/el palmar (b/l/d)
after breakfast, the journey continues to el socorro, a historic place where one of the first colombian declarations of independence was signed. cross coffee plantations and breathtaking mountain landscapes, finally descending to el palmar through the valley carved by the suárez river. the village, surrounded by unspoiled nature, still preserves the authentic spirit of the andean countryside. overnight at a charming hacienda.

Día 6: Barichara

el palmar/barichara (b/l/d)
cross the suárez river and visit the picturesque village of cabrera, famous for its intact colonial architecture. from here, follow the ancient camino real, the cobbled road built in colonial times, which leads to the plateau on which barichara stands, an authentic architectural jewel. enter the town crossing the puente real and explore its cobbled streets, shady parks, and historic churches. accommodation in a country house nearby for the night.

Día 7: Barichara

barichara (b/l/d)
day dedicated to a magnificent horseback excursion among pineapple, tobacco, and citrus plantations, reaching the majestic cañón del chicamocha, one of the most spectacular natural wonders of south america, nominated among the seven natural wonders of the world. here enjoy a traditional lunch based on goat, a local specialty. return to barichara in the afternoon for dinner and free time.

Día 8: Barichara

barichara (b/l/d)
full day dedicated to discovering barichara, one of the most beautiful villages in colombia. visit the templo de la inmaculada concepción y san lorenzo and the suggestive capilla de santa bárbara. afternoon free to stroll, visit craft workshops, or take part in an optional rafting experience on the fonce river for adventure lovers. overnight in barichara.

Día 9: Bogota

barichara/bogotá (b/l/-)
morning departure for the return to bogotá. upon arrival, accommodation in a comfortable hotel in the capital. dinner on your own and time for a last evening walk. overnight.

Día 10:

bogotá/italy (b/-/-)
transfer to the international airport for the return flight.

note: the itinerary described above is indicative and may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control. extensions can be booked upon request.

notes:
(b/l/d): b = breakfast; l = lunch; d = dinner
difficulty level: from ° to °°°°°

duration: 10 days / 9 nights
difficulty: from ° to °°° (intermediate/advanced)
accommodation: hotel
equipment: trekking saddle
horses: criollo colombiano, all born locally, used to the reserve territories
pace: about 5 hours per day on horseback for a total of 5 days. all three paces; good riding level required
what to bring: light and waterproof clothing. sunscreen, insect repellent, protective helmet, water bottle, swimsuit.
type: itinerant trekking with overnight stays in hotels

accommodation:
night 1: bogotá
night 2: oiba – rincón oibano
night 3: charalá – capilla del pienta or hacienda del pienta
night 4: páramo – finca san luis or sierra de la cruz
night 5: el palmar – finca privada
nights 6/7/8: barichara – hotel la loma
night 9: bogotá

guaranteed departure dates:
from 01/10 to 01/19
from 02/07 to 02/16
from 03/28 to 04/06
from 05/09 to 05/18
from 06/06 to 06/15
from 07/11 to 07/20
from 08/08 to 08/17
from 09/19 to 09/28
from 10/17 to 10/26
from 11/07 to 11/16
from 12/12 to 12/21
from 12/26 to 01/02/26

participants: min 4 max 8

supplements & reductions:
supplement for departure with 2/3 riders (per person) euro 720.00
reduction per person for groups from 8 to 12 riders euro 270.00