Audio Guide of Chicamocha National Park

Chicamocha National Park (PANACHI) is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and closed on Mondays; the natural area is accessible year-round. From Bucaramanga, you can drive via the road to Girón in about 45 minutes, or take local buses from the Transport Terminal. For more details, visit the official PANACHI website or call +57 300 912 3456.

Admission to the PANACHI theme park costs around COP 25,000 for adults and COP 15,000 for children, with discounts for students and local residents; Chicamocha National Natural Park is free for basic hiking. Check updated prices on the National Parks website, as they may vary.

It is recommended to set aside at least 4 to 6 hours to explore the main attractions, such as the cable car and the Candelaria Desert, but ideally a full day to enjoy everything without rushing. If you include hiking in the natural area, you could extend your trip to a weekend with an overnight stay.

The park encompasses the impressive Chicamocha Canyon, formed millions of years ago by geological erosion, and it is a key cultural site for the Guane Indigenous people, with petroglyphs and ancestral traditions. It represents the natural and heritage richness of Santander and was declared a National Natural Park in 1992 for its conservation.

The best time is the dry season from December to March, when the weather is sunny and there is less rain; avoid July and November because of heavier rainfall. Go early in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and avoid the crowds and afternoon heat.

The PANACHI theme park offers accessibility in main areas such as the cable car and paved paths, with ramps and wheelchair options, but some natural sections are uneven and require assistance. We recommend contacting them in advance at +57 7 632 0000 for adapted guides; more information is available on the official website.

Nearby in Bucaramanga, visit the Cathedral of the Holy Family or Children’s Park; in Girón, explore the Colonial Bridge and its cobbled streets. Also, the Tatacoa Desert is a few hours away for a complementary desert experience.

Bring sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes for the varied terrain; book tickets online to avoid lines. If you are traveling with family, consider the cable car the highlight, and eat at local restaurants to try arepas and Santander’s famous big-bottom ants.