San Gil is a fantastic city in Colombia, which has become known as the adventure capital of the country. A popular stop off between Bogota and the north coast, there are plenty of exciting activities to try out. You can read more in my posts ‘Rapelling down Juan Curi‘ and ‘Paragliding in San Gil‘, but something a little less scary and equally worthwhile is a beautiful hike from Barichara to Guane.
It only takes about 40 minutes by bus (roughly £10,000 COP) to reach Barichara from San Gil and it’s so beautiful it was declared a national monument in 1878.
HIKING FROM BARICHARA TO GUANE
BARICHARA
Barichara’s streets are paved with stone slabs and each of the buildings has bold-coloured shutters and doors.
CATEDRAL DE LA IMMACULADA CONCEPTION
Just off the main square is the Catedral de la Inmaculada Conception, which is well worth a look, if not for the beautiful architecture then to have a moment away from the relentless sunshine.
FOOTPATH FROM BARICHARA TO GUANE
If you continue uphill for a couple of streets to Cra 10 and turn left, you will find a stone slab marking the start of a path to the equally quaint town of Guane.
SCENERY
The Barichara to Guane footpath takes approximately 2 hours, but if you like to stop regularly for photos or rest breaks you should allow yourself 3.
SOLITUDE
I only passed one other person on the path from Barichara to Guane. By coincidence, we would meet again a couple of weeks later on a day trip from Medellin.
For the most part, though, it liberating to be wandering alone in a foreign country through such fantastic scenery, with only the occasional bird song or buzz of an insect to break the silence.
GUANE
I arrived in Guane with a full 10 minutes to spare. I quenched my thirst with a bottle of ice-cold coca cola from a local tienda and bought my bus ticket home. If you give yourself enough time, this would be a lovely place to relax with a beer.
I’ve been thinking about a long trip to S. America sometime in the near future and have been making a little list in my head by using blogs like this to add lesser known places to the standard must-sees.
I really had no idea what there is to do in Columbia, but you’ve helped me out with that. This little village looks incredible–exactly the kind of place I’m looking to find. Thanks for this.
Daniel McBane recently posted..Thieving Monkeys in Lop Buri, Thailand
Glad I could help. I did something similar. Before I left, I made a word document with a rough itinerary. Then every time I read a blog post that made me want to go somewhere I’d add the link. It makes looking up the details of where to go next really easy.
The only problem is that you generally end up with a list that will take the next ten years to complete. I guess it’s nice to be spoiled for choice though.
Daniel McBane recently posted..How Not to Save Money While Trekking in Nepal
Yes, that’s so true. This is why I’m here for 7 months instead of the original 3!
Hey arien.
Im adopted from colombia and was probably born in guane. Do you know if there is a hill at the end og the main street?Do yoy know if there is a hospital nearby? Im looking for the hospital near bucaramanga where I was left by my biological mother. Do you ave cobtact to locals in the city? Because im looking for my biologic mother and her name was rosalia or roselina and probably called londono jaimes by surname. I hope you can help me. Kind regards from Claudia From Denmark. Write me back at : ergovesterbirk@gmail.com og facebook at Claudia Vesterbirk
I’m sorry I can’t help you. I didn’t meet anyone in either town. It’s a very quiet area. I only met other travellers in San Gil where I was staying. I’ll send you an email though.
I’ve always been too worried about safety to go to South America alone, but you’re starting to convince me Arianwen… :)
Emma Sparks recently posted..I Have Reached My Destination – Part II
I’m only a week and a half in… Could still have problems! But let’s hope not. It’s been great so far, but I am being careful. I stayed out 3 hours longer than I wanted to last night because I didn’t want to walk the 10 mins back to my hostel alone!
What a gorgeous little town! Lovely pictures Ari :-) x
Thanks Bex. That region was so beautiful. I miss the cooler weather there too!
I truly enjoy your pictures. the colors seem unreal! what a shame though, that you didn’t have more time in Guane, it looks like a charming little village you’d like to get lost in for a while, doesn’t it?
Cheers!
Les Petits Pas de Juls recently posted..Photo of the Month: una Iglesia Extraordinaria
Yes, I was so looking forward to a cold drink and a half hour’s rest while admiring the views. Ah well!
Thank you for posting this blog entry. I’m planning a trip to the Department of Santander and this helps immensely by giving me an idea of what to expect. For a look at another colonial town where there’s always, always something going on, take a look at my photography website. My URL was entered in the Web site box, so my site should come up if you click on my name.
I’ll check it out. Thanks! As a photographer, you will absolutely love these towns. They’re stunning. Also, make sure you get to Guatape near Medellin if you can. And the landscape around Salento is incredible too. You definitely won’t be short of inspiration!