The Camino Real starts at the edge of Barichara and tumbles down towards Guane, stone after stone, between low walls and cacti, with the Suárez River canyon opening up to one side.
Its history isn't romantic: Geo von Lengerke, a controversial German, built it in the 19th century over a far older Guane footpath, and charged people to use it. Today it's a national monument.
Down below waits Guane: a church, a sleepy square and deep indigenous roots. Start early; the midday sun is merciless.
What it feels like
A hot, meditative descent: your footsteps, the stones and nobody rushing you.
Ideal for
- Easy-going walkers
- History buffs
- Anyone already in Barichara wanting more
Facts with sources
- Origin
- Geo von Lengerke built it over an ancient path between Barichara and Guane, about fifteen years after arriving in Santander in 1852.Source 2
- Monument
- Declared a national monument in 1977 and restored in 1988.Source 2
- Guane
- Formerly Móncora, cradle of Guane culture; part of Barichara municipality since 1888.Source 3
- The landscape
- Guane sits on a small plateau beside hills overlooking the Suárez River basin.Source 3
What we don't know yet
We'd rather say so than make it up. The team confirms these with the operator:
- Typical walking time
- Transport back from Guane
- Current trail condition
Ask the front desk
- How do I get back from Guane to San Gil?
- What time should I start?
- Can I buy water along the way?
Safety & season
Lots of sun, little shade: carry plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat and closed shoes with grip; loose stone is slippery.
Sources
- This is Colombia Hostel, San Gil (property description, events, reviews) (opens in a new tab) — Hostelworld, retrieved 22 Oct 2026
- The 'Royal Road' to Guane, a beautiful trek with an insane history (opens in a new tab) — Colombia Reports, retrieved 22 Oct 2026
- Guane (Santander) (opens in a new tab) — Wikipedia (es), retrieved 22 Oct 2026
