Places of Interest - Colombia

These two towns have nothing to do with each other, except for the fact that they are a short distance apart (about 30 km). San Gil is "the outdoor" capital of Colombia and you can not escape from an almost obligatory visit to the "Lord of the Rings" park, not to offices that offer rafting, hang gliding, caving and other outdoor sports. The small village "Barrichara" has very different sights; it is one of the most beautiful situated and admirable colonial places in the country. It is not for nothing that countless films and series are recorded here and the village is protected by the government. This town is a must-see when visiting Colombia. 

San Gil to Barichara: Many small minibuses (air conditioned) run the 45 minutes between San Gil and Barrichara from the small terminal (corner Call15 and Carrera 10). You get off (and/or in) on the main square of Barrichara and the ride costs 4000 Col (one way).

San Gil to Tunja: I first went to the terminal in San Gil for 1300 Col. There are a number of companies that go to Bogata / Tunja. I went with a minibus of "Libertador" for 20.000 COL. The journey takes about 4.5 hours.

• Name: Parque "El Gallineral"

Address: Malecon and Calle 6

Price: 6000 COL

Time: 08:00 - 18:00

Content:

I was a bit shocked when I arrived at the entrance of the park and I had to pay not less than 6000 COL entrance fee. This is not a museum or amusement park but a small park with trees, like many other parks worldwide. But these trees here have something special; all (1876 pieces) are covered with long mossy lianas hanging down like beards from the branch, as if forming a curtain to the ground. They are called the "barbas viejo" - the old men’s beards and yes they look like something like that. My travel guide spoke about "Middle Earth" from the books of "Lord of the Rings”. A nice thing to do and see if you want to see something different than colonial buildings and nature parks.

Closeby the park "Central" in San Gil is restaurant "El Balcon" - if you look at the map it is all pricey which is not too strange considering the quality of the building, staff etc. But they also have a offered fixed buffet for 8.000 COL which is very worthwhile. You can choose from rice or macaroni, roast meat or fish or chicken and you get soup beforehand and a juice.

• Name: Hotel "Centro Real" (San Gil)

Address: Calle 10, no 10-41

Price: 16,000 COL

Phone nr. : 7240387/7248445

Email: www.hotelcentroreal.amawebs.com

Content:

Fantastic centrally located hotel in the busy shopping street Calle 10 with several restaurants, cafes and other hotels. It is a stone's throw away from the "Parque Central" and on the other side "Parque El Gallineral". Also the small terminal (to go to Barichara) is within walking distance. The price-quality ratio of the room is remarkable and then in a positive sense. I had a room with two two person beds, super clean, TV with cable, free perfect WIFI and a super clean shower and toilet combination. It is spacious, clean and quite - one of the best rooms I had for a long time. Only minus is the noise; in the toilet and shower there is a window that cant be closed. Outside is Wednesday market and the hall is like an inner tube where the sound lingers. The toilet door also rattles. There is possibility for washing clothes.

The number of (Western) tourists is minimal and you get even checked out in San Gil are often checked by the local population. Ofcourse this will change soon. I would say go sit in a coffee shop at the Central Park and order an ice cream, a fruit juice or a beer and enjoy. Within minutes you are in a deep conversation with your Colombian neighbor who wants to know where you are from. If you are wise you will not sleep in Barrichara (far too expensive, and that money for the food too) but you go on a day trip - a long morning is sufficient, if you do not want to walk the 9 km hike to "Guane" .