Santander works as a high-value heritage route built around three officially recognized heritage towns—Barichara (Heritage Town since 2010), San Juan de Girón (since 2010), and El Socorro (since 2014).
Barichara is Santander’s slow-travel icon: stone streets, quiet charm, and experiences designed for unhurried days. The signature plan is the Camino to Guane, a historic cobblestone trail of about 5.6 km with recognized heritage value. If you want to add a nature/adventure layer, Chicamocha National Park is about 65 km away. Food here is part of the brand: carne oreada, goat with pepitoria, and the famous hormigas culonas (for brave taste buds).
Girón, just outside Bucaramanga, delivers classic colonial scenery with easy walking: the Main Park, Basilica Menor San Juan Bautista, stone bridges, and a tourist riverside promenade (Malecón) along the Río de Oro that blends local food, crafts, and nightlife energy.
El Socorro is the history-heavy stop: architecture meets national identity, tied to key Independence events such as the Comuneros uprising (1781) and the figure of Manuela Beltrán. It’s a place where streets and plazas don’t just look pretty—they mean something.
In short: Santander’s Heritage Towns route is colonial beauty + story-rich walks + bold regional cuisine + nearby nature, perfect for travelers who want charm with substance.
DESCRIPCION
Girón, a Colonial Beauty
The old buildings, cobblestone streets, bridges, and parks are some of the features that led to Girón being declared a National Monument on February 12, 1963. At that time, its town center looked much as it had in its early days, and the texture and color of its houses displayed the traditional appearance of a colonial village.
Barichara: History and Stone, “The Most Beautiful Town in Colombia”
This town has earned the title of National Monument. In a country with 1,123 municipalities, Barichara has established itself as “the most beautiful town in Colombia” with its cobblestone streets steeped in history, its white facades, and a tranquil atmosphere that envelops the tourists who increasingly frequent this colonial gem.
El Socorro: “Comunero Capital of Santander”
Visiting El Socorro is key to understanding how the first steps toward the Independence of the Republic were taken. Founded on June 16, 1683, it is known for its colonial architecture and for having been the epicenter of the Revolt of the Comuneros in 1781.
LOW SEASON: Weekdays, weekends (excluding holidays)
LOW SEASON: Weekdays and weekends (excluding holidays)
HIGH SEASON: Holiday weekends, March 23-30; June 15-July 20; October 4-14
