He plans a circuitous route around 3 villages: Villanueve, Barichara and Guane.
Our starting point is Villanueve which isn't much to write home about apart from the massive tree that dominates the central plaza. We call it the hairy tree, but it's actually a Ceba covered in air plants.
Wend is drawn to this cute little house. Could do with a window or two mind.
Then it's out onto the trek, and after 10 minutes we're breathing hard. It's uphill, more uphill followed by some uphill then a tiny downhill stretch into Barichara.
We spot some pretty birds along the way.
This one's a blue-crowned Mot-Mot. We saw some of his cousins in Costa Rica a few weeks back.
And this lot. On reflection they didn't seem hugely excited to see us.
Barichara is ridiculously pretty. The entire town is only about a dozen blocks square and every single street maintains the gorgeous low-rise colonial architecture that's made it a favourite among Colombian and international tourists alike.
Even the drains are enchanting.
David then gives us an option of walking down a ravine to Guane and taking public transport back, or vice versa. Actually, he doesn't give us a choice, he tells us the walking part of this leg will be uphill. Quelle surprise.
And by public transport he means we're going to squeeze into a Tuk-Tuk. We do love his enthusiasm but he has that annoying mountain leader trait of always making us take the more challenging route (I'm looking at you Tony Sanders).
Guane also has its charms.
We get to meet David's pal Colombio. Poet, intellectual and charismatic raconteur.
The little cemetery has a view to die for.
They're a pious lot here, even the vultures have found god.
And at the end of a wonderful day of walking maybe... just maybe, someone is smiling down on us from up there.
Beautiful - makes me well up. Very good bird spots, but suggests you stopped for a breather or two. #slackers
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