Camino Real Cabrera-Jordán
Trek ancient stone paths through stunning canyons, connecting historic towns. A journey through history and breathtaking Colombian landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures and softer light.
Camino Real Cabrera-Jordán
Best Time
Cooler temperatures and softer light.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Trek ancient stone paths through stunning canyons, connecting historic towns. A journey through history and breathtaking Colombian landscapes.
"A beautiful, historic walk with incredible views and a charming colonial destination."
👟 Sturdy Shoes Required
The rocky path demands good footwear. Ankle support is highly recommended!
🧢 Hat & Sunscreen Essential
Protect yourself from the sun; it's a mostly exposed trail.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 962 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Stone Path
Barichara to Guane section
Trek on ancient, stone-paved paths, a testament to indigenous and colonial engineering.
Colonial Hamlet of Guane
End of the Barichara to Guane hike
Discover the charm of this picturesque colonial village with its whitewashed houses.
Scenic Canyon Views
Along the trail
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Suárez River canyon and surrounding landscapes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Footwear is Key!
Hydration and Sun Protection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Shoes Required
The rocky path demands good footwear. Ankle support is highly recommended!
🧢 Hat & Sunscreen Essential
Protect yourself from the sun; it's a mostly exposed trail.
💧 Carry Water
Water stops exist, but bring your own for the hike.
🚶♀️ Easy Downhill Hike
Mostly downhill from Barichara to Guane, making it manageable for most.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Shoes Required
The rocky path demands good footwear. Ankle support is highly recommended!
🧢 Hat & Sunscreen Essential
Protect yourself from the sun; it's a mostly exposed trail.
💧 Carry Water
Water stops exist, but bring your own for the hike.
🚶♀️ Easy Downhill Hike
Mostly downhill from Barichara to Guane, making it manageable for most.
🚌 Tuktuk/Bus Back
Easily catch a tuktuk or bus from Guane back to Barichara.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers rave about the Camino Real Cabrera-Jordán, particularly the Barichara to Guane hike, for its stunning scenery and historical significance. The well-preserved stone path and the charming destination of Guane are major highlights. Some visitors note the challenging, uneven terrain requires good footwear and caution.
"Nice walk of roughly 6.5 km. Mostly downhill over slabs of stones to reach the nice colonial hamlet of Guane. You can buy water/ juices from a store halfway or in Guane itself, there is a regularly bus service between Guane and Barichara or take a tuktuk.
Don't forget to wear a hat!!"
peter jones
"Just an absolutely beautiful walk. The full trail is a historic stone-paved route originally built by the indigenous Guane people and later reconstructed by the Spanish and a German engineer, Geo von Lengerke, about 150 years ago. We could see why it is famous given the scenic landscapes, colonial towns, and cultural heritage. However, like many, we completed the most popular section from Barichara to Guane hike, which is about 6–9 km, mostly downhill, and takes about 2 hours. This stretch offers cobblestone paths, whitewashed houses, and beautiful canyon views. However the full Camino Real extends from Cabrera to Los Santos, covering around 42.5 km and passing through several towns: Cabrera, Barichara, Guane, Villanueva, Jordán, and Los Santos. It was a very lovely experience."
Ross Daniels
"Beautiful hike-2+ hour hike. I’m not a big hiker, but it was absolutely worth it. The trail offered lovely views, with much of it going downhill and often under the shade, making it a pleasant experience."
Qianyu Y
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular section starts in Barichara. You can reach Barichara by bus from Bucaramanga or San Gil. From Barichara's town center, you can begin the hike directly.
Head towards the edge of Barichara, following signs for Guane. The trail is well-marked and begins with a descent on stone paths.
Yes, you can hike from Guane to Barichara, but it will be mostly uphill, which is more challenging.
Yes, frequent buses run from Bucaramanga and San Gil to Barichara, making it accessible.
From Bucaramanga, the bus ride is approximately 4-5 hours. From San Gil, it's about 1 hour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Camino Real is a public trail and does not require an entrance fee.
The trail is accessible at any time, as it's an outdoor path. However, hiking during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility.
Starting in the morning is ideal to avoid the midday heat and enjoy cooler temperatures.
No permits are required for hiking the Camino Real. It's a historic route open to the public.
The full 42.5 km trail is possible but requires significant planning and time, often done in sections. The Barichara to Guane segment is the most popular.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
This section is considered easy to moderate, primarily downhill with uneven stone paving. Sturdy footwear is crucial.
The hike is approximately 6.5 km and typically takes about 2 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos.
The trail is paved with large, uneven stones, requiring careful footing. It's not a smooth path and can feel like 'rock climbing' in places.
While there isn't dedicated seating, the path offers some flatter sections and shaded areas where you can pause.
With appropriate footwear and supervision, the downhill section can be manageable for older children. Younger children might find the uneven stones challenging.
🍽️ 💧 Food & Dining
Yes, there's a store about halfway on the Barichara to Guane route where you can buy water and juices. Guane also has options.
Guane offers a few local restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy traditional Colombian dishes after your hike.
It's always a good idea to bring some snacks, especially if you plan to take your time or hike longer sections.
Barichara has a wide array of restaurants and cafes offering diverse culinary experiences before or after your hike.
Expect simple, local cuisine. Many places offer set menus (menu del día) which are usually very affordable.
📸 📸 Photography
The stone path itself, panoramic canyon views, the charming architecture of Guane, and the unique landscapes offer fantastic photo ops.
Early morning or late afternoon provides softer light and fewer harsh shadows, ideal for capturing the beauty of the trail and Guane.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the scenery. If you bring a DSLR, ensure it's protected from dust and potential moisture.
The Mirador al Rio Suárez near Guane offers a stunning vantage point for landscape photography.
Be mindful of your footing on the uneven stones while composing your shots. Also, protect your gear from the sun and dust.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit