Barichara’s main attraction is its architecture. All of it is contained within a 12-by-12 grid of streets. On the Parque Principal is the Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción (daily 5:45am–7pm), a huge, golden-hued 18th-century church with two towers that are illuminated in the night. Inside is a carved wooden ceiling and fluted columns. Also on the plaza is the Casa de Cultura Emiliano Pradilla Gonzalez (Wed–Mon 8am–noon and 2–6pm; admission COP$1,000), a colonial house with a small collection of fossils and Guane artifacts.
Several other interesting churches can be seen in town. The most attractive is Capilla de Santa Barbara, fronting a small plaza. There’s also the Capilla de Jesús Resucitado, a partially restored chapel that lost part of its tower after being struck by lightning. Take note of the stone graves in the attached cemetery.
The Camino Real is a 9km hike to the tiny village of Guane, a path through green pastures and fruit orchards that was once used by the indigenous Guane and later the Spanish. Most of the original stone path remains or has been restored. The walk begins at the rim of a canyon, mostly goes downhill and takes about two hours. Head out early, before the sun gets too hot. Bring water and sunscreen, though you’ll be able to buy refreshments from a few fincas along the way. To reach the start of the trail, go to the north end of Calle 4 and look for the sign.
In the quiet town of Guane, you’ll find a pleasant plaza with a church that dates to 1720, as well as a small archaeological and paleontological museum with Guane artifacts, a few fossils, and religious art. It’s technically open daily from 8am to noon and 2 to 6pm, but you might need to ask around at the church for the caretaker. You can find buses back to Barichara around the plaza for COP$5,000.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
