Manual de intervención para garantizar la conservación patrimonial del camino real “Tramo Villanueva – Barichara – Guane”, como parte de la ruta de Lengerke, en el Departamento de Santander

Abstract

The caminos reales, or mule-track roads, constitute a historical and cultural legacy of incalculable value for Colombia, particularly in regions such as Santander, where the intricate network of the Lengerke Route bears witness to the social, economic, and political dynamics that have shaped the territory from pre-Hispanic times to the present day. These ancient communication routes not only facilitated the movement of people, goods, and knowledge, but also emerged as essential arteries for community development and territorial configuration. However, despite their significance, these roads currently face increasing threats due to inadequate interventions driven by a lack of understanding of ancestral construction techniques and the absence of specific conservation guidelines. This situation has led to the alteration of the ancestral footprint of the caminos reales, incorporating materials and methods that undermine their heritage authenticity. In response, this monograph focuses on the development of an intervention manual that establishes the necessary guidelines to ensure the proper conservation and treatment of the Villanueva–Barichara–Guane section, part of the emblematic Lengerke Route in the department of Santander. Providing a detailed guide that outlines procedures, construction techniques, and criteria for performing maintenance and future interventions—while respecting and preserving ancestral knowledge, original materials, and the historical, aesthetic, and functional authenticity of these roads—is essential. The relevance of this research lies in the need for a concrete protocol that enables the protection, intervention, maintenance, and long-term preservation of these heritage infrastructures. By defining parameters that have not previously been addressed in a conscious and systematic manner, this work seeks to safeguard these caminos reales as assets of departmental and national heritage, ensuring the continuity of their legacy for future generations. From the perspective of construction pathology, this study is fundamental in addressing the diagnosis of existing alterations, identifying the causes of deterioration (including hydrological, hydraulic, and geotechnical factors), and proposing intervention guidelines that—grounded in the understanding of original materials and construction techniques—aim to prevent future damage and ensure the long-term durability and conservation of these heritage structures.