Guane

A tiny, atmospheric village perched on a hillside that's best reached by a scenic hiking trail from Barichara through the Chicamocha valley. The abandoned streets and crumbling colonial architecture create an evocative time-capsule experience rarely found in the region.

Things to do

• Hike from Barichara to Guane — Trek the scenic 2-hour trail through the Chicamocha valley, descending through cloud forest with views of layered canyon walls and arriving at the village from above.
• Explore the Colonial Church — Visit the whitewashed Iglesia de Santa María to see original wooden beams, faded religious art, and the austere architecture typical of 17th-century highland settlements.
• Wander crumbling cobblestone streets — Walk the narrow, uneven pathways lined with deteriorating adobe and stone houses, many empty, creating an eerie and authentic time-capsule atmosphere.
• Visit the small archaeological museum — Browse local Guane indigenous artifacts, pre-Columbian pottery shards, and skeletal remains housed in a modest colonial building documenting the region's original inhabitants.
• Photograph abandoned homesteads — Document the decaying colonial residences with broken wooden doors, empty window frames, and vegetation reclaiming structures throughout the village.

Food to try

• Arepas with queso fresco — Warm cornmeal cakes served with fresh local cheese, a staple that can be eaten plain or filled with vegetables or meat.
• Caldo de gallina — A hearty chicken and vegetable broth flavored with local herbs and root vegetables, warming and filling after the hike up from Barichara.
• Bocadillo veleño — A sweet guava paste candy wrapped in corn husks, a regional specialty from nearby Vélez that's sold in small shops throughout the village.
• Fresh trout from mountain streams — Locally caught trout prepared simply with lemon and herbs, reflecting the cold water streams flowing through the Chicamocha valley.

Local customs & good to know

• Few services available in village — Guane has minimal amenities—no restaurants, limited lodging, and no ATMs—so bring cash, water, snacks, and plan to stay briefly before returning to Barichara.
• Respect the solitude and decay — The village is sparsely inhabited by elderly residents who have chosen to remain; be quiet, respectful, and avoid disturbing private properties or treating ruins as amusement.
• Wear proper hiking gear — The trail from Barichara involves steep descents and ascents on uneven terrain; sturdy boots, sunscreen, and water are essential for safe passage through the valley.
• Learn basic Spanish — The few residents speak only Spanish and appreciate visitors making an effort to greet them politely; English is not spoken here.