The eastern Colombian Andes boast countless stunning landscapes, but few places capture the incredible power of nature better than Los Santos. This town is somewhat precariously perched on an ancient plateau overlooking the deep, arid Cañón del Chicamocha.
With only one main road for entry and exit, surrounded by rivers and steep mountains, being in Mesa de Los Santos or Meseta de Los Santos feels like being in a remote place at the edge of the map. This makes it the perfect spot to relax for a few days.
While tranquility is 100% guaranteed, active visitors will find plenty to do. The plateau hosts numerous viewpoints offering panoramic views of some of the country’s most spectacular mountains, plus waterfalls, award-winning coffee farms, a wonderful farmers’ market, dreamlike rock climbing, and Colombia’s most thrilling cable car ride.
Attractions
Cañón del Chicamocha
It’s impossible to visit Mesa de los Santos without being awed by the rugged beauty of the canyon carved 800 meters below by the brownish Chicamocha River. This is Andean nature at its finest: vast, time-worn mountains in endless shades of green, gray, and brown, covered with cactus clusters stretching from cold, windy peaks to the sandy riverbanks.
The Cañón del Chicamocha has only one structure and is a destination where you can truly connect with nature. Several hiking trails descend into the canyon. You can even embark on a multi-day trek from the colonial town of Barichara to Los Santos, passing through the village of Jordán at the canyon’s very bottom. This is undoubtedly one of Colombia’s most epic outdoor adventures.
Nature, Hiking
Parque Nacional de Chicamocha
On the other side of the canyon from Los Santos, this blend of viewpoint and theme park offers numerous attractions and cultural exhibits, but the best reason to visit is the modern cable car that starts at the plateau station, crosses the canyon, and emerges on the other side. The line stretches over six kilometers, and the journey takes about 20 minutes. The views, both going and returning, will leave you breathless.
Viewpoint, Outdoor Life
Cascadas Los Santos
The cliff faces plunging into the deep valleys of Los Santos create the perfect topography for stunning waterfalls, and they certainly exist. You’ll find many beautiful cascades around the Meseta.
The highlight is the majestic Salto del Duende, which plummets 280 meters from a limestone cliff into the dense forest below. You’ll also encounter the impressive Santa Rita waterfall, wider but not as tall. Then there’s Salto del Mico, smaller but delicately beautiful, falling into a lovely pool surrounded by lush vegetation.
Note that the plateau’s waterfalls depend on rainfall and may not be visible during prolonged dry periods.
Waterfall
Experiences
Paragliding in the Chicamocha Canyon
If you want the best views of Mesa de Los Santos and the majestic Cañón del Chicamocha, you can touch the sky with a tandem paragliding flight, soaring with thermal winds like the famous Andean condor. Flights can be arranged on the canyon’s east side and typically last about 20 minutes when conditions are favorable.
Adventure Sports
Coffee Tours in Meseta de Los Santos
The coffee from Mesa de Los Santos, grown in the shade, is considered one of the best in all of Colombia. Visitors can tour local coffee farms and follow the harvest process from bean to cup. Here, you’ll be guided through an informative plantation tour and then taste various types of the famous national beverage prepared by expert baristas.
Coffee Details
Practical Information
Accommodation
Los Santos offers many charming rural accommodation options for a wide range of budgets, but they tend to fill up on weekends, so booking in advance is recommended.
The plateau’s attractions are spread out, so visitors without a private vehicle should consider choosing a hotel near points of interest.
Getting There
The easiest way to reach Los Santos is via the airport in Bucaramanga, just a 45-minute drive away, with connections to various Colombian cities and some international destinations.
