The Royal Path Hike & Mud Painting Workshop

Tour/Activity , Colombia

About this activity

Take a leisurely downhill hike to the village of Guane to discover authentic Colombian ways of life, then take part in a private mud painting workshop.

Your Travel Experience with Finest Journeys

The Royal Path Hike and Mud Painting Workshop

Begin your day with a gentle downhill walk from Barichara to the small village of Guane along the Camino Real, a stone path once used by the Guane people and later by the Spanish for trade. The one-hour walk begins near Barichara’s main square and winds through dry forest, with views of cacti, valleys, and distant hills. At the end of the trail, a small motorized tuc-tuc will take you into Guane. The village is quieter and smaller than Barichara, with whitewashed buildings and a central plaza where locals often gather. A small museum displays thousands of fossils and artifacts, including a 700-year-old mummy and skulls shaped according to Guane cultural practices. A short, Spanish-language tour adds context to the collection. Later in the day, return to Barichara for a hands-on mud painting session. Using natural earth pigments sourced from local soil, you’ll learn how to mix paints and create your own artwork. An instructor will guide you through the process—no art background is needed. This calm and creative experience offers a chance to slow down and connect with the surroundings in a different way.