Barichara to Guane Trek

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The El Camino Real is a traditional trail that connects the towns of Barichara to Guane in Santander, Colombia. This trail was built by the Guane, an ancient indigenous culture that was later used by the Spanish.

The 9-km path was restored in 1864 by a German man, George von Lenguerke, and declared a national monument in 1988.
a. How to find the start of the El Camino trail - The Barichara to Guane Section
-The trail starts off at the west end of Carrera 10 (where the road ends). Every map in the city shows the Salida Camino Real, if you can’t find it.

The trail is very well-marked with a stone sign. Easy peasy!

-The trail begins by descending into the canyon. It's a peaceful cobblestone trail hike, with views of the Chicamocha Canyon, the peaceful countryside, and birds and farm animals.

-When you arrive in Guane, you can relax, have breakfast, visit the Paleontology Museum and catch a Consangil bus at the central park. It leaves approximately every 30 minutes and costs 2200 COP (0.75USD). The bus drives around the park and honks its horn to pick up passengers.

b. Tips for the Hike:
Start the trail from Barichara early morning to beat the heat!
Bring water and wear a hat with you.
You can stop at the El Mirador for the views and a drink (it is a family farm). You have to walk directly through their house to get a view from the cliff. You will see a large white painted boulder on the top, with a cross. If you decide to do this, give the family a couple mils (as they are expecting it).

c. The Entire El Camino Trail - 3 Days
The Barichara-Guane trail is perfect for a morning excursion. But for a more in-depth commitment hike, this trail is a 5-section multi-day hike (ideally three days) that will tour you through multiple towns in the area.

Fellow hikers have provided this Hiking Trail Map to download on Wikiloc.

-Cabrera to Barichara (Approx. 2.5 - 3 hours) – You can take a bus from San Gil to Cabrera. Ask for directions to the trail when you arrive.

-Barichara to Guane (2-2.5hours)

-Guane to Villanueva (3 hours) - ask for directions when you get to Guane (or use the Wikiloc trail map above). Make sure you indicate you are going to Villanueva (or they may direct you back to Barichara). The trail is marked with red arrows, but ask for a map at the visitor's center. There is an accommodation in Villanueva for the night.

-Villanueva to Jordan (approx. 4-6 hours)
This leg of the trek is known to be more strenuous with a limited reprieve from the sun and a descent to the canyon.
Again, asking for directions (or consulting the map) will be needed from locals.This town is in the Chicamocha Canyon and currently without road access. It’s basically a ghost town with only a few residents. There are no facilities there and no public transport, so you will need to hike the next leg of the trail to Los Santos. (Another option is ride a horse or arrange for transport.)
-Jordan to Los Santos (2 hours – mostly uphill)
Once you arrive in Los Santos, there are buses that go back to San Gil – a connection to Barichara. However, you are now closer to Bucaramanga, and you can connect through this city too.