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Magical routes through Norte de Santander: tourism in the mountains, history and tradition

BY Verónica Ibarra / Oct 25, 2025

Between mist-covered mountains and roads that preserve the traces of the past, Norte de Santander reveals itself as a destination that has it all: history, nature, gastronomy and hospitality. Every bend in the road holds a story, every town has a legend and every landscape invites you to stay a little longer.

In this blog we invite you to travel magical routes that connect Pamplona and Chinácota, two jewels of the department where the Hotel Cariongo opens its doors for each traveler to experience the region from its heart.

Pamplona: history, art and tradition on every corner

 

Founded in 1549, Pamplona is known as the Mitred City, and is one of the most beautiful colonial destinations in the Colombian Andes. Its cobblestone streets, ancient temples and colorful facades tell centuries of history.

What can you see in Pamplona?

              - Santa Clara Cathedral: religious and architectural icon of the city.

              - Museo Casa Anzoátegui: a journey through the history of independence and regional art.

              - La Florida Bridge: a heritage jewel surrounded by nature.

              - Market Square: where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee blends with the color of local fruits.

 

What is there to do?

Take a leisurely stroll through the historic center, stopping at colonial temples and workshops where handmade sweets are still made. Participate in a gastronomic tour and taste the traditional milk and guava sweets and the unmistakable Pamplona wafers.

 

What can you eat?

Nothing like a warm almojábana with chocolate or a trout with garlic in one of the restaurants near the square.

From Cariongo Plaza Hotel

Strategically located, Hotel Cariongo Plaza is the perfect spot to explore the city. Its warm atmosphere and traditional style will make you feel part of Pamplona's history, while enjoying all the modern comforts.

 

Route of the Colonial Villages and Faith

 

From Pamplona depart some of the most authentic routes in the region: small roads that connect with Cácota, Mutiscuay Silos, three municipalities that preserve the soul of Norte de Santander.

 

Our suggested route

Pamplona - Cácota - Mutiscua - Silos

              - Cácota: known for its tranquility and mountainous landscapes. Its main church is a beautiful example of colonial architecture.

              - Mutiscua: famous for its potato crops and natural viewpoints. Ideal for hikers and photography lovers.

              - Silos: a spiritual place, home to the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, visited by pilgrims from all over Colombia.

 

Activities

              - Ecological hikes.

              - Landscape photography.

              - Visits to colonial temples and chapels.

 

Tips

              - Wear a coat: the weather is cool all year round.

              - The months of June to September are ideal for its clear skies.

              - From Pamplona, you can hire local guides or travel by private car.

 

Chinácota: nature, relaxation and rural charm

 

Just an hour and a half from Pamplona, Chinácota is the perfect contrast: a town with a temperate climate, surrounded by green mountains, ideal for those seeking relaxation, nature and good food.

What can you see?

              - Iscalá waterfall: a hidden gem among nature trails.

              - Los Pinos viewpoint: the best spot to contemplate the sunrise over the valley.

              - Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows: a place of peace and architectural beauty.

 

What is there to do?

 

Stroll through the main park and enjoy a local coffee while observing the tranquil rhythm of the town. Visit the coffee farms and learn about the artisanal process of coffee from nortesantandereano.

 

What to eat?

 

Try the fresh trout in the restaurants on the road to Bochalema, accompany it with a cuajada with melao or the traditional peeled corn arepas.

 

From the new headquarters of Hotel Cariongo

 

Hotel Cariongo Chinácota is a refuge designed to enjoy the warm climate and the serenity of the mountains. Swimming pool, natural views and spaces surrounded by vegetation make this venue the perfect complement for those seeking a total relaxation experience.

 

Natural and gastronomic route of the southern part of the department

 

From Chinácota you can embark on an enchanting journey through the southern towns of Bochalema and Pamplonita.

 

Our suggested route

 

Chinácota - Bochalema - Pamplonita

              - Bochalema: known for its colonial architecture and religious festivities. Here the plan is to walk leisurely and taste a good artisan coffee.

              - Pamplonita: surrounded by mountains, it is ideal for lovers of rural tourism and nature photography.

 

Activities

              - Ecological hikes along the Zulia River.

              - Tastings of local products such as honey, fruits and coffee.

              - Visits to crops and farmers' workshops.

 

Practical advice for travelers

              - Best time to visit: between June and December, when the weather is drier and the landscapes are clearer.

              - How to get around: from Pamplona to Chinácota you can take intermunicipal transportation or a private car (1 h 30 min trip approx.).

              - What to bring: comfortable clothes, walking shoes, light coat and sunscreen.

              - Ideal duration: 4 to 6 days to visit both areas without haste.

 

Where to stay: the charm of the Cariongo Hotel

 

The Cariongo Plaza Hotel (Pamplona) and the Cariongo Chinácota Hotel are two spaces created to offer visitors a complete experience of Norte de Santander.

              - In Pamplona, you will enjoy the historical environment, the proximity to the main monuments and the colonial charm of the city.

              - In Chinácota, you will find nature, relaxation and a perfect climate to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with yourself.

 

Both locations offer personalized attention, local gastronomy and environments designed for relaxation. Together, they are the ideal starting point to discover the magical routes that cross this lively territory.

 

Between mountains, roads and tradition

 

To travel through Norte de Santander is to encounter the essence of the Colombian Andes: mountains that whisper stories, towns that preserve their soul and people who welcome you with a smile.

On each route, the traveler discovers something different: art, faith, flavors and peace that only an authentic destination can offer.

And among all these routes, Hotel Cariongo becomes that refuge where the mountains feel closer and tradition, more alive than ever.

Get in touch with us

And learn more about Pamplona, Colombia

reservas@hotelcariongo.com

HOTEL CARIONGO

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