Santander: Bucaramanga

Parque García Rovira, Bucaramanga

Bucaramanga is the capital and major regional centre of the Santander region. It is surrounded by many small historic towns such as Girón - a small town with a lot of original colonial architecture.

The streets in Girón

Another view of Girón

The Basilica in Girón

Bucaramanga itself also has several historic buildings in the city centre such as the Cathedral de Sagrada Familia.

Cathedral de la Sagrada Familia

And the Parroquia San Laureano.

Parroquia San Laureano

Bucaramanga also has a small but pretty botanical garden which is a relaxing reprieve from the busy city.

The lake in the gardens

Turtles in the lake

A tortoise on the lawn

Red squirrel

In the suburb of Floridablanca, a teleférico leads up into the surrounding hills.

Floridablanca church

Ascending at sunset on the teleférico

From the top of the Cerro de Santísimo there are sweeping views of the city

Bucaramanga at night

There is also a giant Christ statue on the top of the hill.

Statue of Christ

And there is a lift to the top of the statue, from the top there are more views of Bucaramanga.

Bucaramanga from the top of the statue

And after taking in the views of the city, you can relax with a beer and watch the coloured fountain show set to music.

The fountain music and light show

Although Bucaramanga is a small city it has a diverse range of things to do, from the restaurants and bars of the Cabacera barrio to the colonial architecture or Girón, Floridablanca and Piedecuesta it makes a perfect base for exploring the Santander area.

The main square in Piedecuesta