Updated: May 2026 · by Frank Spitzer

Chicamocha Canyon Travel Guide 2026 — Colombiafrank

By Frank Spitzer, Founder of Pelecanus · Updated May 2026

Start with the Video — Chicamocha Canyon Overview

The Chicamocha Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world — 227 km long, 2,000 m deep. Located in Santander department.

My name is Frank and I run Pelecanus. The canyon is best combined with San Gil adventure activities and Barichara colonial town. Get in touch.

About the Chicamocha Canyon

This huge gorge crosses the departments of Santander and Boyaca. Formed by the trench, which is a huge geographic fault with gigantic dimensions, it is one of the most impressive natural wonders in Colombia. At the deepest point, the depth is 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) and in addition, the length of the gorge is reported to be 227 kilometers (141 miles).

The area of ​​the Chicamocha Trench is more than 108,000 hectares. It is considered the second-largest canyon in the world and it is also deeper than the Grand Canyon in Colorado.

More than 30 million years ago there was a huge lake in its place. However, through natural erosion and various natural phenomena, what is now the Chicamocha Canyon was created.

This place is also of historical importance because the Guane, an indigenous culture, lived here. You can still find rock paintings by the earlier residents today.

The Chicamocha National Park is the touristic part and is located in the Santander department, around a 90-minute drive from the city of Bucaramanga. That’s about halfway to San Gil and Barichara. However, tourism and activities are not limited to this park. This is more like an amusement park and is not exactly what you imagine a national park to be.

Various activities are offered around the gorge. From hiking and bird watching to photography excursions and helicopter tours, you can choose from a variety of options.

What can we find in Chicamocha Canyon?

The Chicamocha Trench has a lot to offer. We will talk more about this further in the text.

A unique environment

Without a doubt, Chicamocha Canyon is characterized by its beauty. In the elections for the new 7 natural wonders of the world in 2009, it was one of the options. Around 100 million people voted at the time.

Its ecosystem is unique as you can find different climatic conditions. In some places, there is a tropical dry forest environment and in other places, there is a premontane thorn forest. Hence, one can find a multitude of palms, tall trees, and ferns.

Nature lovers will find beautiful trees here such as the pink and yellow guaiacwoods, cacti, Ceiba barrigona, Indian cocoa, and many other species. The Canyon is a real Eldorado for nature photographers.

Viewpoints

Given the immense extent of the gorge, there are countless viewpoints from which one can enjoy great panoramic views.

Chicamocha National Park viewpoint

One of the best places to admire the beauty of the canyon is undoubtedly in Chicamocha National Park. This viewpoint allows for a 360-degree view so you can discover a wide variety of landscapes. Make sure you have your camera ready.

Cepita viewpoint

This is only 10 minutes away from Chicamocha National Park and offers a wonderful view.

El Tabacal viewpoint

This viewpoint is about a 90-minute drive from Chicamocha National Park. This viewpoint is overcrowded on weekends and public holidays and we do not recommend visiting on these days.

The Jordán viewpoint

This viewpoint is located about 1 hour from Chicamocha National Park. It offers an impressive view of the green landscape and the mountains.

A great variety of animals and birds

Chicamocha Canyon was once a paradise for many species and a large number of different plants and animals were found, such as different panthers and sloths. Due to changes in the environment, however, the inhabitants of the region have changed significantly.

The canyon is now inhabited by animals such as iguanas, armadillos, possums, and other interesting species. However, one of the region’s greatest attractions is the wide variety of birds, some of which are critically endangered.

We recommend taking a camera with sufficient range with you. If you want to photograph birds, you will be grateful for every millimeter of additional focal length. With a little luck, you will spot some of the exotic birds. For example the Nicephorus cockatoo and the Amazilia castaneiventris, both species are endemic and threatened with extinction in Colombia.

Other birds, not quite as rare and sometimes well distributed in Latin America, are:

• Venezuelan troupial: A small bird, between 15 and 22 cm with black and yellow feathers. It is the national bird of neighboring Venezuela.
• Golden-winged Sparrow: A beautiful bird, up to 16 cm tall. Its plumage is black, gray, and part of its wings is golden.
• Bicolored Wren: A brown bird, usually measuring about 22 cm.

You can also find birds such as woodpeckers or bald eagles.

Pictograms and cave paintings

Inside the Chicamocha Canyon, you can find various cave paintings of the Guane culture. Chicamocha National Park does NOT organize tours to find these.

If you want to know more about the culture, we recommend a visit to the Guane Museum. It is located in the municipality of San Gil (1 hour from Chicamocha National Park) and is home to more than 130 archaeological objects belonging to this indigenous group.

There is also a museum in the national park dedicated to the Guane culture. Here you can admire necklaces, archaeological objects, pots, and other objects of great historical value. There are pre-recorded voices (in Spanish and English) that provide information about these indigenous peoples.

Recommendations

• The temperature can reach over 30 degrees Celsius (86° Fahrenheit). You should therefore drink enough and in any case, protect yourself from direct sunlight
• You should avoid Sundays and public holidays, as large crowds sometimes flock to the attractions on these days.

Planning your trip to the Chicamocha Canyon?
Don’t miss these two blogs with the best lodging options in San Gil and Barichara!

Top Attractions: Chicamocha National Park (Panachi)

Km. 54 Via Bucaramanga – San Gil
Website: http://parquenacionaldelchicamocha.com/
Opening times: Friday to Sunday and on public holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Prices: The park has several entry options, these are:

Even if you don’t want to do any of the activities, I still recommend a visit to the park. On my first visit, I took the cable car to the other side of the trench and back again. The difference in temperature feel was impressive.

PARKING CHICAMOCHA NATIONAL PARK

The park was inaugurated in 2006 with the aim of making it easier to visit the gorge. Various elements of local architecture can be found in the park, as it was designed. These can also be found in the communities of San Gil and Barichara.

Squares

The park has different spaces that are designed for different purposes.

Plaza de las Banderas (Square of the Flags)

Various events and celebrations are held here. Before visiting the website, you should check whether an event is planned for the day you are planning to visit.

Plaza de las costumbres

Here you can buy traditional foods from the Santander department as well as handicrafts.

There is an auditorium here with a capacity of 150 people. You should also pay a visit to the chapel with its large and beautiful windows.

Marketplace

Here you can find handicrafts, souvenirs and other interesting things to buy.

Ants Square

Here is the monument of the Santandereanidad. This gigantic monument consists of 36 sculptures and was created by the artist Luis Guillermo Vallejo. It is 55 meters long and 22 meters wide and represents a tobacco leaf.

The monument also honors the Comuneros, who were one of the first insurgent groups to oppose the Spanish Empire. The monument is aimed at Socorro, a historic city and the birthplace of the Comuneros. The name of the square was chosen because it feels very small next to the construction.

Attractions

Various attractions and activities are offered in the park:

Children and family attractions

Cable car

Opening hours:
10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The cable car is one of the most iconic attractions. You drive around 20 minutes to the other side of the gorge. Each cabin can carry up to 8 people. Driving is a great experience and the view is spectacular.

There are also tickets for pets, these cost 10,000 pesos.

Avestruzca

Price: Entry: $ 3,000
Pony rides (children only): $ 6,000 pesos.

One can interact with ostriches, see their giant eggs and learn about the reproduction of these exotic animals. However, it is forbidden by law in Colombia to ride on ostriches. I asked about this.

It is also possible to interact with other birds such as pheasants and geese. Children can have a fun pony ride.

Baby goats

Price: $3,000

In this place, children and their families can interact with these beautiful animals and also feed them. The goats are also milked and you can buy products such as Arequipe, Cortados, Kumis.

4D cinema

Price: Adults and Children $ 8,000
Gravity Zero Massage Chair Price: $ 5,000

An ideal attraction for the whole family. You can enjoy a mini-movie with the best effects in real time. Your legs will get tickled and you will even feel the sensation of rain.

If you feel tired and need a break, you can enjoy the zero gravity massage chair. This device is equipped with the latest technology and will reduce stress as quickly as possible.

Ice rink

Price: $ 9,000

Ice fields for ice skating are an absolute rarity in Colombia, but you can find one here.

Children’s park

Price: jumping: $ 10,000
Saltarin: $ 5,000

Here you can find swings, slides and bouncy castles.

Extreme attractions

We recommend the following activities for adrenaline lovers:

Swing

Price: $ 30,000 per couple

One of the extreme attractions of the park. Here you will be lifted to a height of 15 meters and as you swing at high speed you can admire the incredible scenery of the canyon.

This attraction can only be used by two people at the same time.

Ziplining

Prices:

• Ziplining chicamocha $ 25,000
• Ziplining Lookout $ 15,000
• Ziplining for kids $ 7,000

The park has 3 ziplining attractions. The first is 450 m long and you can experience the entire Chicamocha Canyon. The second is much shorter, but it’s more extreme, you go down at a higher speed. The last one is ideal for children, the route is very short and safe.

Paragliding

Price: $ 200,000

A flight takes around 20 minutes and the view is second to none.

Reservations can also be made at the following numbers: 313-8571363 – 316 821 0852 – (7) 7243839.

Rappeling

Price: $ 20,000

Here you rope down 40 meters from a waterfall. Nothing for weak nerves. It is in the 360-degrees lookout pint.

Buggies

Prices:
Single buggy: $ 20,000
Double buggies: $ 25,000

Here you can drive a 0.6 miles (1 km) long route with an off-road buggy.

Chicamocha National Aquapark

Hours of Operation: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Price: Entry (Aquapark only), Adults $ 25,000 / Children and Seniors $ 18,000

There are two swimming pools. The first is ideal for children and has a depth between 20 and 60 cm and is surrounded by various attractions, such as slides. The second pool is for adults and has a depth of 1.20 meters. In the aquapark, there are also two slides that intertwine along its course.

The main attraction of the water park is a beautiful river that flows around the place. Snacks can also be bought in different shops there.

Chicamocha Canyon Tours

Given the beauty and tourist attraction of Chicamocha Canyon, various tours are offered.

Chicamocha National Park Tour

Price: $40 per person
Tour page: https://turismoi.co/tours/experiencia-de-1-dia-canon-del-chicamocha
Starting point: Bucaramanga

This expedition is ideal for families and everyone who wants to spend a relaxing day. On this tour, you will get to know the Chicamocha National Park.

The guides (who only speak Spanish) talk about the culture of Santander. You can also enter the Guane Museum, take the cable car in the park and eat typical dishes.

*The park attractions are not included in this package.

Canoe tour on the Chicamocha Canyon River

Price per person:

• Group of 2: $ 780,000
• Group of 3: $ 520,000
• Group of 4 through 7: $ 390,000
• Group of 8 through 9: $ 410,000
• Group of 10 or more: $ 420,000

*The prices are valid for the year 2023.
Tour website: https://www.wolftourscolombia.com/es/s71/excursiones-de-1-dia-destinos/canotaje-canon-del-chicamocha
Starting point: The tour starts in Bucaramanga.

This tour takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to ride along the Chicamocha River. There are class IV rapids.

There are English and Spanish-speaking guides on this tour. However, due to the difficulty of the rapids, it is recommended that only experienced extreme sports enthusiasts book this tour.

The tour includes transportation, necessary equipment, lunch in Jordán city, and a visit to a tobacco farm in the middle of the canyon.

The tour is open for groups of 4 people minimum. If you want to start with fewer people, a surcharge will be applied.

Chicamocha Canyon helicopter tour

Price (per person): 1 person $ 670,000
A maximum of 5 people can enter for a value of $ 2,699,000.
Tour page: https://www.trair.com.co/experiencias/ca%C3%B1onChicamocha.html#undefined2
Meeting point: Hotel Punta Diamante, around 30 minutes from Bucaramanga.

The flight time is around 30 minutes. You can see beautiful places like the Guatiguará Valley, various lakes and of course the magnificent Chicamocha Canyon.

The total duration of the tour is around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

*This tour is not recommended for pregnant women or people with heart problems.
*The tour can be canceled at any time due to poor weather conditions.

Best Day Trips Around the Canyon

• San Gil — adventure-sports hub for rafting, caving, and the Camino Real.
• Barichara — Colombia’s most photogenic colonial heritage town, 1 hour away.
• Guane — tiny heritage village reached via the Camino Real stone path.
• Mesa de Los Santos — opposite-rim village with viewpoints and a famous weekend market.
• Curití — fique-craft artisan town with caving access.
• Bucaramanga — Santander’s capital, 1 hour by car for restaurants and paragliding.

Chicamocha Canyon Itinerary — 1-2 Days

Food at the Canyon & Around

• Cabro al horno — roast young goat; the regional signature.
• Hormigas culonas — toasted leaf-cutter ants, a seasonal Santander delicacy.
• Tamal santandereano — pork-and-corn tamale wrapped in plantain leaves.
• Mute santandereano — corn-and-meat soup.
• Panachi park restaurants — on-site dining with viewpoint terraces.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry season (Dec–Mar): Clearest skies, best canyon visibility, best for paragliding launch days.
• Mornings: Mid-day in dry season can be relentlessly hot — go early or late.
• Cable car closed Mondays: Always check Panachi schedule before driving out.
• Wet season (Apr–May, Sep–Nov): Mist can obscure viewpoints; paragliding less reliable.
• Holy Week & Dec/Jan holidays: Park can be very busy; come midweek if possible.

Practical Information: How to Get There & Tips

The park is located between the municipalities of Aratoca and Piedecuesta, one of the closest towns is Bucaramanga. From there, the distance is around 43 kilometers, with a journey time of 90 minutes.

The distance from Bogota is 330 kilometers and the driving time is around 7 hours.

Related Colombia Travel Guides

• Colombia Travel Guide
• Santander Travel Guide
• Boyacá Travel Guide
• Villa de Leyva Travel Guide
• Bogotá Travel Guide
• Chocó Travel Guide
• Amazonas Travel Guide
• La Guajira Travel Guide
• Barranquilla Travel Guide

Best Tours in Cañón Chicamocha

• Panachi cable-car ride — 6.3 km cable car across the canyon, the longest in the Americas.
• PaNaCh National Park entry — the canyon park with multiple viewpoints and the cable car.
• Mesa de Los Santos viewpoint — the opposite-rim village with sunset views.
• San Gil paragliding combo — fly into the canyon with a certified tandem operator.
• Cañón del Chicamocha hike — multi-hour walks from Aratoca or Cepitá.
• Barichara & Camino Real combination — full day with the heritage town.
• San Gil rafting day — combine the canyon visit with whitewater on the Río Suárez.
• Pinchote & Cabrera mirador day — alternative rim viewpoints with fewer tourists.

Cañón Chicamocha or Cañón del Pato (Peru) / Chicamocha National Park alternatives? Quick Comparison

Likes & Dislikes — Personal Take

What I like. The Cañón del Chicamocha is one of the great Andean landscapes of South America — a 2 km deep gorge cut by the Chicamocha River, with the world’s longest cable car running across it. The PaNaCh park is well-developed, family-friendly, and offers genuine cliff-edge perspective. Combine with San Gil paragliding and you’ve got one of Colombia’s signature adventure days.

What I’d skip. The amusement park elements at PaNaCh (toboggans, mascots) are weak; skip them and focus on the cable car and viewpoints. Mid-day in dry season can be relentlessly hot — go early or late. The cable car is closed on Mondays — confirm before driving out.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cañón Chicamocha

Is Cañón del Chicamocha worth visiting?

Yes — one of Colombia’s most striking landscapes and an excellent half- or full-day trip. The cable car is unique in the Americas.

How do I get there?

From Bucaramanga: 1 hour by car via Aratoca. From San Gil: 45 minutes. The PaNaCh entrance is on the Bucaramanga-San Gil highway.

Is Cañón del Chicamocha safe?

Very safe — well-managed national park, regulated cable car, family-friendly infrastructure.

When is the best time to visit?

December–March (dry season) for clearest views. Mornings (8–11am) are coolest; afternoons can be brutal in dry season.

How long does the cable car take?

About 25 minutes one way; the round trip with stops takes 60–90 minutes.

Can I paraglide in the canyon?

Yes — certified operators in San Gil and at Mesa de Los Santos run tandem flights with canyon views. Book in advance.

How many days do I need?

1 day is enough for PaNaCh + the cable car. Add 2–3 more days for San Gil/Barichara/Mesa de Los Santos.

What is Mesa de Los Santos?

The opposite rim of the canyon — a village with viewpoints and the alternative cable-car terminus. Famous for its weekend market.

References & Sources

1. Chicamocha Canyon — 227 km long, 2,000 m deep, one of the largest canyons in the world.
2. Panachi (Parque Nacional del Chicamocha) — Theme park + cable car opened 2006.
3. Cable car across the canyon — Longest in Latin America (6.3 km).
4. Mesa de Ruitoque — Premier paragliding launch site.
5. RNT 51402 — Pelecanus SAS.

About Author

I’m Frank Spitzer — Swiss-born, Bogotá-resident since 2015, founder of Pelecanus. From first inquiry through return flight, you deal with me personally — not a handoff team. I’ve driven across 30 of Colombia’s 32 departments to inspect roads, hotels, guides and routes myself, and documented it in 400+ first-hand videos on the COLOMBIAFRANK YouTube channel. Before a destination goes into a trip, I’ve been there, often more than once, and I’ve slept in the bed I’d recommend. That field scouting sits on top of a 20-year background in finance, an MBA from the Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, and a First-Lieutenant commission in the Swiss Army. I work in German, English, Spanish, French and Portuguese, which is why luxury, golf, eco and wildlife travellers from Switzerland, Germany, the US and Latin America trust us to build trips that feel custom — not catalogued. Pelecanus operates under Colombian RNT 51402 and is an active IAGTO member.

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