Jordan and the Chicamocha Canyon

Jordan brings together the landscapes of the Chicamocha Canyon with historic trails and structures. The Río Chicamocha reaches its narrowest point at Jordan; the area also features vegetation and natural pools. There are also hiking routes described in different ways, as well as the Puente de Lengerke. When planning, you can consider whether hiking, the river landscape, or local history should be the focus of your stay.

River landscapes in the Chicamocha Canyon

The narrowest point of the Río Chicamocha at Jordan gives the landscape a clear geographical landmark. Vegetation and natural pools are also part of the area’s character. These details help you understand Jordan not only as a starting point for a trail, but also through its landscape.

If you are planning a trip with your family, these different themes can appeal to different interests: those who enjoy hiking can explore the trails described here; those interested in landscapes and history will find further points of interest in the river, the bridge, and the local history. This makes it easier to plan your itinerary, without requiring everyone to have the same focus.

Hiking trails with different conditions

The Camino de Lengerke connects the town centres of Jordan and Los Santos. The hike passes through the Chicamocha Canyon and is six kilometres long. The Gobernación de Santander and the Alcaldía de Los Santos restored the trail between 2018 and 2020. As trail conditions can change, check the latest conditions before setting out.

Another historic route runs from Villanueva to Jordan, descending through the ravines of the Chicamocha Canyon. This route is described as a 15.8-kilometre stage; one six-kilometre section has little shade, and parts of the trail have been abandoned. These details clearly distinguish this route from the six-kilometre Camino de Lengerke. Pay particular attention to the section with little shade, and check before your trip whether this route suits your plans.

The two routes therefore offer different details to consider when planning: for the Camino de Lengerke, the connection between two town centres and the overall distance are the main considerations. For the historic route from Villanueva to Jordan, you should also take the descent, the section with little shade, and abandoned parts of the trail into account. If hiking is an important part of your stay, it makes sense to consider the specific route early in your planning rather than using the town name as your only selection criterion.

Bridge history and orientation

The Puente de Lengerke in Jordan is one of Colombia’s first bridges. The history of Simón Bolívar is also connected with this place: his route passed by the bridge. Both details give the bridge a historical dimension that offers a distinct perspective on Jordan alongside its natural scenery and hiking landscape.

Jordan has a tourist information office where you can find information about the town and the region. It can be a helpful point of contact for general orientation. As you plan your stay, you can bring together different interests: a hike, the river landscape, or the history of the Puente de Lengerke. Your interest in hiking, the river landscape, or the history of the Puente de Lengerke can also play a part in choosing a holiday apartment in Jordan. The location that makes sense for you depends on which of these themes you want to include in your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Socorro Province, Matanza, Páramo, Cimitarra, Girón, La Granja, Sabana de Torres, Guane

See the broader travel overview: Santander.