Caminos de Santander
Experience the joy of Colombia on a fully supported, town-to-town trek through the historic stone paths, mountain villages, dramatic canyons, and coffee country of Santander.
Chicamocha National Park
$250 refundable priority deposit
Discover Colombia One Step at a Time
Discover the spirit of Colombia on Caminos de Santander, an original TSX journey through historic mountain towns, immense canyons and the warmth of local life in a region few get to experience. We’ll follow centuries-old stone paths through the Suárez and Chicamocha canyons, explore the cobblestone streets of Guane and Barichara, and venture underground into Santander’s caves before a final climb to Los Santos. Along the way, traditional meals, village plazas and encounters with local hosts bring the region’s history and character to life. With overnight luggage transported and nights in local accommodations, we’ll carry daypacks and share the challenge together, finishing among the coffee fields of Mesa de los Santos… with time to slow down, savor a cup and take it all in.
For those who want to extend the adventure, we’ll also offer an optional two-night pre-trek experience in the capital city of Bogota before the team gathers in Santander.
What’s included
- Airport pickup in Bucaramanga on arrival day and return transfer to Bucaramanga airport at the end
- Seven nights of lodging in Zapatoca, Barichara, San Gil and Jordán, plus two nights at El Parador La Mesa Redonda on Mesa de los Santos
- Ground transportation for all scheduled transfers between trailheads, towns and lodgings
- Luggage transfers between overnight stops, so you hike with just a daypack
- Five guided hiking days, about 64 km / 40 miles on the historic Caminos de Lengerke and through Chicamocha Canyon
- TSX guides working alongside local Colombian guides and hosts
- Welcome dinner and trip orientation in Zapatoca, and a closing celebration dinner
- Group meals along the route as noted in the final itinerary
- Guided cave experience near San Gil with a local cave outfitter (optional)
- A culture and recovery day on Mesa de los Santos, with options including a coffee farm walk, the Mercado Campesino, a pineapple farm and the Chicamocha Canyon cable car
- Visits to Guane’s archaeological and paleontological museum and the rock pictographs near Los Santos
- Entry fees for scheduled activities
- Inspiration for a lifetime
What’s not included
- International airfare to and from Colombia
- Flights to and from Bucaramanga (BGA)
- Lodging before arrival day or after departure day
- Meals and drinks not listed as included
- Optional two-night pre-trek Bogotá experience (priced separately)
- Passport and any entry requirements for Colombia
- Daypack, personal hiking gear and clothing
- Travel and medical evacuation insurance (strongly recommended)
- Private-room upgrades, where available
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry and phone data
How it works
Dates are tentatively set for late January to early February 2028. Your $250 priority deposit is fully refundable. It shows your interest and holds your place in line, but does not yet confirm a spot on the trip.
We plan to release final dates, pricing, logistics and travel details in February 2027. Priority deposit holders get first access to confirm a spot before registration opens to the public, and an additional deposit will be due at that time. Your $250 stays fully refundable until you’ve reviewed the final details and accepted placement on the trek.
Itinerary
Arrive in Bucaramanga – Transfer to Zapatoca
Arrive in Bucaramanga and transfer to Zapatoca, where we’ll settle into Hotel Abadías de Zapatoca before exploring this traditional mountain town. We’ll have time to walk through the central plaza, enjoy the local atmosphere and get our first taste of Santander’s cuisine. That evening, we’ll gather for our welcome dinner and a review of the journey ahead before turning in for our first day on the caminos.
Day 1 – Zapatoca to Guane | 17.6 km / 11 miles
We’ll get an early before-sun up as we begin our hike on the historic Caminos de Lengerke, following ancestral routes through Andean forest, canyon country and tropical dry forest. The hike is mostly down hill as we descend toward the Suárez River and cross the historic Puente de Ruedas suspension bridge, before climbing toward Guane, a small cobble stone village with colonial architecture preserved in time. In Guane, we’ll relax with a cool drink and meal, explore its’ whitewashed buildings and the village plaza, with time to visit the archaeological and paleontological museum. Our day will conclude with a short drive and transfer to Barichara, our home for the next two nights.
Day 2 – Guane to Cabrera & Barichara | 15 km / 9.3 miles
We’ll return to Guane early and continue along the section of the caminos known as Los Templados. Long ascents and descents with peaceful sweeping views lead through rural Santander to Cabrera, where we’ll pause for a traditional lunch before continuing uphill toward Barichara (known as the most beautiful town in Colombia). Arriving on foot, we’ll explore the town’s stone streets, cathedral, local shops and canyon viewpoints as time allows. That evening, we’ll return to Cabaña Villa Majo for dinner and another night together.
Day 3 – Barichara to Villanueva & San Gil Caves | 9 km / 5.6 miles
Our morning walk follows historic paths through the countryside between Barichara and Villanueva, along a corridor once traveled by the region’s Indigenous Guane people, and according to local stories, by the historic figure and liberator Simón Bolívar. Today we’ll have some fun and change pace, with an afternoon transfer to San Gil area for a guided underground caving adventure, taking advantage of some of the local attractions. Afterward, we’ll settle into our accommodations in San Gil.
Day 4 – Villanueva to Jordán | 15.8 km / 9.8 miles
We’ll leave San Gil before dawn and transfer to our starting point near Villanueva. Today’s route takes us into the immense landscape of Chicamocha Canyon, among the largest canyon’s in the world, with sweeping views, exposed terrain and a long descent through tropical dry forest. We’ll start early to make the most of the cooler hours, taking breaks along the way before reaching Jordán. Simple local accommodations and a quiet evening in this small riverside community await.
Day 5 – Jordán to Los Santos | 5.5 km / 3.4 miles
Our final trekking day begins before sunrise with a sustained climb out of Chicamocha Canyon. Following the historic stone path toward Los Santos, we’ll gain elevation steadily as views open across the canyon and the Chicamocha River below. At the top, we’ll celebrate completing our trek, explore Los Santos and visit local rock pictographs with our hosts. We’ll then transfer to El Parador La Mesa Redonda on Mesa de los Santos for an afternoon of rest and relaxation.
Day 6 – Mesa de los Santos | Coffee, Culture & Recovery
Today we’ll slow down and enjoy the people, flavors and landscapes of Mesa de los Santos. Planned options include exploring the colorful Mercado Campesino, visiting a coffee farm, and a visit to Chicamocha National Park with the opportunity to cross the canyon by cable car and appreciate the landscape that we traveled from above. We’ll gather that evening for a closing dinner and celebrate our shared journey.
Day 7 – Mesa de Los Santos to Bucaramanga | Departure
After breakfast and checkout, we’ll travel together to Bucaramanga airport for onward flights. Final transfer and recommended flight times will be provided before departure.
Logistics
Arrival & departure
The current eight-day itinerary begins and ends in Bucaramanga, Colombia, with transportation to Zapatoca and a return from Mesa de los Santos. Meeting details, airport transfers and recommended flight times will be confirmed before participants book travel.
Optional pre-trek Bogota experience
For participants who would like to see more of Colombia before heading into Santander, we’ll offer an optional two-night pre-trek experience in Colombia’s capital, Bogota. Participants will meet in Bogota, explore the city together and then continue to Bucaramanga before the trek begins. Additional pricing, accommodations and travel details will be provided separately.
Accommodations & luggage
We plan to stay in local hotels, guesthouses and countryside accommodations. Overnight luggage will be transported between stops so participants can hike with daypacks. Final room arrangements and a packing list will be provided.
Final details
We’ll release trek dates, pricing, transportation, meal inclusions and complete logistics in February 2027.
FAQs
What is Caminos de Santander?
An original TSX experience combining challenging hiking, historic villages, canyon landscapes and Colombian culture. We’ll follow the Caminos de Lengerke through Santander, explore caves near San Gil and finish among the coffee fields of Mesa de los Santos.
How long is the experience?
Our tentative itinerary is eight days and seven nights, beginning and ending in Bucaramanga, Colombia. It includes five hiking days, a guided cave experience and a day exploring Mesa de los Santos.
How difficult is the trek?
Participants should be comfortable hiking on consecutive days over uneven stone paths, rural tracks and steep terrain. The current itinerary includes hiking days of approximately 3–11 miles, with an elevation range of roughly 5,500 to 1,500 feet. Heat and sun exposure add to the challenge, particularly in the Suárez and Chicamocha canyons, which will require early morning starts.
Do I need backpacking experience?
Backpacking experience is not required, but good hiking fitness is important. We’ll stay in local accommodations and transport overnight luggage between stops, allowing participants to hike with daypacks.
What will I carry?
Your daypack will hold water, snacks or lunch, sun protection, rain gear and essential personal items. A detailed gear list and luggage guidelines will be provided with the final trip information.
Where will we sleep?
The planned experience tentatively includes hotels, a shared house in Barichara, local accommodations along the route and two nights at El Parador La Mesa Redonda on Mesa de los Santos. Room configurations and facilities will vary. Final lodging and any private-room options will be announced with the full release.
Is the entire route on trail?
The journey combines historic stone caminos, footpaths, rural tracks and some road connections. Vehicle transfers connect certain stages and overnight locations. Final routes and distances will be confirmed upon full release.
What cultural experiences are planned?
The itinerary includes historic Zapatoca, Guane’s archaeological and paleontological museum, a traditional lunch in Cabrera, Barichara’s architecture and shops, and rock pictographs near Los Santos. We’ll also explore regional food, coffee and agricultural traditions. Specific visits will depend on opening hours and the final schedule.
What is the cave experience like?
We plan to explore either Cueva de la Vaca or Cueva del Indio near San Gil with local cave guides. These experiences can involve confined passages, uneven footing and underground water and will be optional. The selected cave, physical requirements and available alternatives will be detailed before participants confirm their booking.
Will we visit a coffee farm?
A coffee experience on Mesa de los Santos is part of the plan, along with time to enjoy the surrounding countryside. We’re also exploring Mercado Campesino, a pineapple-growing experience and a cable-car excursion across Chicamocha Canyon.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
No! The experience is being developed for English-speaking participants, with TSX and local partners coordinating communication throughout the journey. A few Spanish greetings are always welcome!
Where should I arrive and depart?
The current itinerary starts and finishes in Bucaramanga, Colombia. Final meeting instructions, airport transfers and recommended arrival and departure times will be released with the trip logistics. Please wait for those details before booking flights.
Is Bogotá included?
The current eight-day itinerary begins in Bucaramanga and does not include Bogotá. Any optional Bogotá experience will be announced separately to registered participants.
When will dates, pricing and full details be available?
We plan to release full trek dates, pricing and logistics in February 2027. The itinerary currently shown is a preview and may be refined before registration opens.
How do I get first access to registration?
Place a $250 refundable priority deposit to establish your place in line. Priority deposit holders will receive first access to available departures before registration opens to the public.
Is my $250 priority deposit refundable?
Yes. Your deposit is fully refundable until you’ve reviewed the final details and confirmed your booking.
What will the final price include?
We’ll publish the complete inclusions and exclusions in February 2027, including details about accommodations, meals, guides, transportation, luggage support and scheduled activities. You’ll have the opportunity to review everything before confirming your booking.
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