Camino Real to Guane

The Camino Real to Guane is part of the old Camino de Herradura that traversed the countryside from Girón, near Bucaramanga, to Barrancabermeja on the banks of the Río Magdalena. It was originally built by the Guane indigenous, and later used by the Spaniards. From Barichara to Guane pueblo is the most trodden stretch these days, having been rebuilt in 1864 by the German George von Lenguerke. The stone-paved trail gently slopes downhill nine kilometers (six miles), passing through a convulsing landscape, the thick stone strata revealing the geologic history of this region, once part of great sea 60 million years ago.

Location:
Barichara , Colombia

Hiking

Getting There
From the Parque para las Artes, walk down the path along the rim of the canyon. A sign on the right marks the beginning of the trail. It takes 1.5-2 hours to hike to Guane.

Travel Tips: The last bus back to Barichara is at 5:30 p.m. ($0.65, 15 minutes). Be sure to pace yourself, unless you want to spend the night in Guane at its simple inn.

Price Description: Free.

Relative price: Free

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring: Bring water, snacks, sun screen, hat.

To the South of the Barichara trailhead is the Mirador with a commanding view of the river canyon; a bit South of that is a path that leads to Salto de Mico, a 50-meter (30-foot) high waterfall; the village of Guane and its museum, plus the petroglyphs near there.

By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began traipsing throughout...

Created: 23 Apr 2008

Updated: 15 May 2009

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