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Follow a 500-year-old Guane royal road down into the Chicamocha Canyon to Jordan—Colombia’s tiniest town—passing endemic birds, howler monkeys, a riverside refuge and sweeping canyon views on a moderate full-day hike.
Follow a 500-year-old Guane royal road down into the Chicamocha Canyon to Jordan—Colombia’s tiniest town—passing endemic birds, howler monkeys, a riverside refuge and sweeping canyon views on a moderate full-day hike.
Dawn lights the canyon walls like a slow-moving tide; the wind up there speaks and the canyon answers, a low, echoing voice that follows the trail as you descend toward Jordan.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Trekking Y Aventuras · Jordan, Santander
Dawn lights the canyon walls like a slow-moving tide; the wind up there speaks and the canyon answers, a low, echoing voice that follows the trail as you descend toward Jordan.
The route follows sections of the Guane people's royal road — a stitched stone path more than 500 years old — and opens onto shelves of red rock carved by the Chicamocha River, itself born in the glacial heights of the Cocuy range. Geology here reads like a chapter on erosion: steep, terraced walls, layers of sandstone and shale, and sudden green pockets where water lingers. Culture arrives in the form of tiny Jordan, Colombia’s smallest urban center, where locals still tell stories of tolls and ancestral routes.
Expect endemic birds to score the silence and howler monkeys to punctuate it from deep in the trees; the canyon keeps moving around you. Mid-hike, walkers’ refuge “Shangri‑La” offers a natural pool, hammocks and a place to rest before the final climb.
Practically, the outing is a full-day, moderate hike on uneven dirt and carved stone with brief river-side sections and dusty rim views. Bring layered sun protection, 2+ liters of water, sturdy footwear with grip, and a light rain shell depending on the season. Start early to avoid midday heat and to give yourself time at viewpoints and in Jordan. Respect local customs: small-town life means limited services, so pack out waste and leave space for future visitors to enjoy the canyon’s sharp, living edges.
moderate.
4–6 hours.
Requires moderate fitness: steady uphill/downhill sections and uneven footing; comfortable pace for walkers who do regular hill hikes.
This eco-hike is run as a full-day experience—expect about 4–6 hours including stops at viewpoints, the Shangri‑La refuge and time in Jordan.
People with moderate fitness who are used to uneven trails can manage it; it’s not technical but has sustained elevation change and loose surfaces.
Jordan is very small with limited services; the walkers’ refuge (Shangri‑La) offers a pool, snacks and a restaurant, but bring extra supplies if you need them.
Most tours meet in Barichara or prearranged pickup points; Bucaramanga is larger but further away—plan transport accordingly.
The path follows stretches of a royal road built by the Guane people over 500 years ago and used for local travel and trade across the canyon rim.
The canyon’s fragile soils are prone to erosion; stick to established trails, avoid trampling vegetation and support local businesses to encourage sustainable tourism.
Trekking Y Aventuras operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Dawn lights the canyon walls like a slow-moving tide; the wind up there speaks and the canyon answers, a low, echoing voice that follows the trail as you descend toward Jordan.
Dawn lights the canyon walls like a slow-moving tide; the wind up there speaks and the canyon answers, a low, echoing voice that follows the trail as you descend toward Jordan.
The route follows sections of the Guane people's royal road — a stitched stone path more than 500 years old — and opens onto shelves of red rock carved by the Chicamocha River, itself born in the glacial heights of the Cocuy range. Geology here reads like a chapter on erosion: steep, terraced walls, layers of sandstone and shale, and sudden green pockets where water lingers. Culture arrives in the form of tiny Jordan, Colombia’s smallest urban center, where locals still tell stories of tolls and ancestral routes.
Expect endemic birds to score the silence and howler monkeys to punctuate it from deep in the trees; the canyon keeps moving around you. Mid-hike, walkers’ refuge “Shangri‑La” offers a natural pool, hammocks and a place to rest before the final climb.
Practically, the outing is a full-day, moderate hike on uneven dirt and carved stone with brief river-side sections and dusty rim views. Bring layered sun protection, 2+ liters of water, sturdy footwear with grip, and a light rain shell depending on the season. Start early to avoid midday heat and to give yourself time at viewpoints and in Jordan. Respect local customs: small-town life means limited services, so pack out waste and leave space for future visitors to enjoy the canyon’s sharp, living edges.