Guican Overview

By Lorraine Caputo

From Cordoncillo, a paved road goes to Güicán, which has a more wild-west feel to it than its neighbor El Cocuy. Perhaps Güicán’s distinctive atmosphere is because it is the younger of the two main villages, not only in founding date, but also because it was rebuilt after an 1860 fire. Perhaps, too, the difference lies in a closer relationship with the U’wa indigenous. From the heights of El Peñol de los Muertos just outside the village, much of the nation jumped to their deaths upon arrival of the Spaniards. The modern-day U’wa territory is not too far from Güicán as the condor flies, and at times you can see them in town. Shops around the plaza sell bags and other artesanía created by them. Even though it is the larger village, it has a much more limited selection of hotels and restaurants. Oddly enough, however, it is richer in attractions.

(Altitude: 2928 m / 9604 ft, Population: 9644, City Code: 8)