Introduction to the Region of Santander

The region of Santander is not yet the most obvious region to visit while in Colombia and still, is one of the most beautiful. It is a worthy stop on your way to the Caribbean coast and Tayrona. The Santander Region is divided into 2 Colombian departments: Santander and Norte Santander (North of Santander).

In the South, the department of Santander, just North of Boyacá, includes San Gil, the capital of extreme sports in Colombia as well as the colonial villages of Barichara, Guane, and Curití. Further North of the department lies Bucaramanga, Santander's main city. On your way there, stop to watch the amazing Chicamocha Canyon or better, fly over it! For a day out near Bucaramanga, head to the beautiful colonial village of San Juan de Giron.

The department of North Santander is very little visited outside of the business destination of Cúcuta, the border town near Venezuela. Two "off the beatean track destinations" are well worth the journey : the beautiful village of Playa de Belen and the PNN Los Estoraques nearby as well as the quiet town of Pamplona.

..........................................................................................................................................
Cool things to do in Santander
..........................................................................................................................................

	Visit Playa de Belen and PNN Los Estoraques		Enjoy Level 5 rafting in San Gil
	Hike the Camino Real between Guane and Barichara		Paragliding over the Chicamocha Canyon

..........................................................................................................................................