In the heart of Colombia’s Chicamocha Canyon, one of the largest and deepest in the world, lies a small and enigmatic town that seems frozen in time: Jordan Sube, popularly known as the “ghost town of Santander”. Its quiet atmosphere, empty streets, and the contrast between the canyon’s majesty and the simplicity of its colonial buildings have made it a destination that sparks curiosity among travelers and history enthusiasts.
History of Jordan, Colombia’s ghost town
The town of Jordan, in Santander, was founded as a colonial settlement in the 19th century. Before the arrival of modern highways, commerce in Santander relied on a network of cobblestone paths known as the Royal Roads. These were mainly built and developed during the 19th century by Geo von Lengerke, a German merchant and adventurer who came to Colombia seeking opportunities.
His goal was to connect inland towns with the Magdalena and Lebrija rivers, and from there to the Caribbean coast, in order to facilitate the export of agricultural products such as coffee, cocoa, tobacco, panela, and salt. Every day, muleteers would travel these routes with pack animals loaded with goods, making places like Jordan essential stops for rest and supplies.
Jordan was not always such a quiet and isolated place. During the 19th century, it was a hub of activity thanks to the Royal Roads (Caminos Reales), historic routes that shaped the region’s economic and cultural development.
The stretch that crossed the Chicamocha Canyon where Jordan is located was one of the most important and challenging. There, the Lengerke suspension bridge, built in 1860, allowed travelers to cross the Chicamocha River and continue along the commercial route.
Over time, with the arrival of new roads and modern transport, the Royal Roads fell into disuse, and many of the towns that had depended on this trade network declined. Jordan is one of the clearest examples of this transformation.
Jordan, Santander today
Today, Jordan preserves its colonial architecture and its character as a town seemingly stopped in time. With barely 50 to 60 permanent residents, it is considered the least populated urban center in Colombia, which explains why it is known as a ghost town.
It is not a completely abandoned place, but rather a serene corner where the streets are usually empty, silence prevails, and daily life unfolds at a slow pace. This atmosphere, far from being unsettling, attracts travelers who seek disconnection and authenticity.
@chicamocha.rafting ¿Sabías que Jordán fue fundado en 1822? Este pequeño tesoro colonial nació gracias a Diego Enrique Meléndez y creció al ritmo de los antiguos “Caminos Reales de Lengerke”. Hoy, esos caminos llenos de historia son rutas mágicas para caminar entre montañas, historia y paisajes que te roban el aliento. #chicamocha #santander #colombia #cañondelchicamocha⛰️ #hike ♬ El Camino de la Vida – El Trio America
Despite its small size, Jordan has become a point of interest for those exploring the Chicamocha Canyon. Among the most notable activities are:
Hiking the Royal Roads: from the town of Los Santos, visitors can descend on foot to Jordán in about two hours, enjoying breathtaking canyon views. The return trip, along the same route, takes longer and requires more effort.
Visiting the Lengerke Bridge: a 19th-century heritage treasure that symbolizes the region’s commercial importance.
Swimming in the Chicamocha River: the warm climate makes a dip in the river or nearby natural pools an irresistible experience.
@fnix.1113 El pueblo más pequeño de Santander (Colombia) Puente Lenquerke, sobre el río Chicamocha (Primer peaje del país)👌💯😍