Mesa de los Santos

A high-altitude plateau village offering dramatic views of the surrounding canyons and valleys, accessible via cable car from nearby Aratoca. It's an excellent spot for hiking, paragliding, and experiencing the cooler mountain climate with spectacular panoramic vistas.

Things to do

• Aratoca Cable Car Ride — Take the scenic teleferico from Aratoca village up to the plateau, offering breathtaking views of the Chicamocha Canyon during the 7-minute ascent.
• Chicamocha Canyon Viewpoint — Stand at the edge of the dramatic canyon with vertical drops of over 1,000 meters, providing some of the most striking panoramic vistas in the Colombian highlands.
• Paragliding from the Plateau — Launch paragliding flights from the high-altitude plateau to soar over the canyons and valleys with professional local operators familiar with the thermal currents.
• Mesa Hiking Trails — Explore well-marked trails across the plateau that lead to hidden viewpoints, alpine meadows, and natural springs throughout the cooler mountain landscape.
• Photography at Sunset — Capture the dramatic lighting as the sun sets over the canyons, with the valleys below turning shades of gold and purple during the golden hour.
• Star Gazing at Night — Experience exceptionally clear night skies at this high elevation away from light pollution, ideal for observing constellations and the Milky Way.
• Flora and Fauna Exploration — Spot Andean birds including eagles and condors, along with frailejón plants and other unique high-altitude vegetation native to the páramo ecosystem.

Food to try

• Ajiaco Santandereano — A hearty regional stew made with chicken, corn, potatoes, and local herbs served with avocado and cream, perfect for warming up in the cool mountain climate.
• Hormigas Culonas — A local delicacy of roasted large-bottomed ants, a traditional Santander dish that's crunchy and protein-rich, though adventurous to try.
• Fresh Trout from Mountain Streams — Locally caught freshwater trout prepared simply grilled or fried, sourced from the cold springs and streams flowing through the plateau region.
• Empanadas de Verde — Crispy pastries filled with green plantain and cheese, a common street food and snack throughout the Northeastern Highlands region.
• Hot Chocolate with Cheese — Traditional Colombian mountain hot chocolate served thick and rich, often accompanied by pieces of local cheese to crumble into the drink.

Local customs & good to know

• Cable Car Etiquette — The teleferico is a key part of daily life for locals; be patient during busy times and respect the weight limits and safety instructions posted by operators.
• Weather Changes Rapidly — At high altitude, weather can shift suddenly from clear skies to fog and rain within minutes, so always bring a light jacket and be prepared to adjust plans.
• Support Local Guides — Hire local guides from Aratoca or the mesa for hikes and paragliding to ensure safety, support the community economy, and gain authentic knowledge about the region's history and ecology.
• Respect Sacred Indigenous Sites — The Chicamocha Canyon holds cultural significance for indigenous communities; be respectful of any marked areas and ask locals about the spiritual and historical importance of certain locations.