The Spanish colonial town of Barichara is a place known for its beauty, with the lovely whitewashed buildings and stone streets looking almost as good as they did some three centuries ago. The whole town was in fact restored some time ago, although the original pieces were left undisturbed. With a population of 4,000, the town is located about 20km north-west of San Gil and high above the Río Suarez.

Sightseeing
The 18th century, sandstone Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción is the biggest, most beautiful and complex structure in town, in fact it's far too big for the town really. The cemetery chapel of Capilla de Jesus Resucitado, with part of the bell tower gone, is also pretty, and make sure you visit the cemetery next to it. The Casa de Aquileo Parra is the small house that the ex-president once lived in. Now, it’s a weaving house where you can see people making bags. You can even go for a tour around.

Getting there
There are buses between Barichara and San Gil every 45 minutes, and you can catch them from the plaza if you’re leaving town.