Chicamocha Canyon: Colombia

The Chicomocha Canyon in the Santander region is very large, covering over 43000 hectares and is 2km deep – deeper than the Grand Canyon. It is a striking  landscape with the Chicomocha River flowing between the two steep sides. It has a 6.3 km cable car which runs right across the canyon, making it one of the longest cable car rides in the world.  Near the entrance is also  a large monument by the artist Guillermo Vallejo, called “Monumento a la Santandereanidad” (Monument to Santander Pride), commemorating a revolution: “Revolución de los Comuneros”.  It is an enormous leaf with 35 large sculptures.

It was an extremely hot day when I decided to go together with Tamara, a young girl from Brisbane who I met at Sam’s, a great hostel right on the San Gil Plaza. The bus drive to the Canyon was in itself quite spectacular with amazing views across the valley running parallel to the Canyon.

I have been really lucky in the hostels I have booked so far on this trip.  It helps to be able to find them online and also read the reviews when making your choices. I highly recommend hostels over hotels because you meet wonderful like minded people and can often hook up on outings plus get tips on where to go and what best to see.

(Click right hand bottom corner to view photos enlarged)

I was also very fortunate to meet The Hermanos Monroy – a Colombian folk group who have traveled the world. On hearing I was from Oz, the youngest member began a rendition of an ACDC song, which completely took  me by surprise!  I got a photo and a signed CD…… what at treat!