Podcast Summary: “Pueblos Patrimonio IV: Honda, Villa de Guaduas y Pore”

Host: Diana Uribe
Date: October 24, 2025

Overview

In this engaging episode, Diana Uribe invites listeners to uncover the stories and cultural wealth of three remarkable Colombian "pueblos patrimonio": Honda, Guaduas, and Pore. These towns, deeply intertwined with Colombia’s economic, political, and social history, illustrate the richness of the country’s geography, the importance of the Magdalena river, and the spirit of independence and cultural fusion. The episode combines vivid storytelling, music, poetry, and historical reflection, highlighting the unique importance and living traditions of each town.

Main Themes

• The strategic and symbolic significance of Honda, Guaduas, and Pore in Colombian history.
• The role of the Magdalena river and Andean geography as a backbone for cultural and commercial exchange.
• The blend of indigenous, colonial, and modern influences that have shaped the architecture, traditions, and people of these towns.
• Personalities, legends, and key events (like the independence campaigns) that have left their mark on these localities.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Introduction to the Magdalena and the Andes

[01:30] – [05:27]

• Colombia’s geography is defined by its three Andean mountain ranges and the Magdalena river, creating diverse altitudes and rich cultural interchanges.
• The episode traces Indigenous, colonial, and republican histories through these towns, each a crossroads for trade, people, and ideas.
• Quote:

  “La belleza está en los detalles. Hoy vamos a hacer un recorrido por tres maravillosos pueblos de Colombia.”
  — Diana Uribe [01:30]

2. Historical Importance of the Route

[05:28] – [10:45]

• Honda, Guaduas, and Pore have been pivotal since prehispanic times due to geography and commerce.
• The Magdalena river’s rapid and the phenomenon of “la subienda” (seasonal fish migration) made Honda a major site of abundance and settlement.
• These pathways became vital for Spanish conquest, later commerce, and the independence struggle.
• Reference to the expedición botánica, a scientific and cultural milestone led by figures like José Celestino Mutis and Francisco Javier Matiz (the latter, a native of Guaduas).
• Quote:

  “El río Magdalena va a determinar nuestra historia, y sigue determinando nuestra historia todavía.”
  — Diana Uribe [03:33]

3. Communities and the Struggle for Independence

[10:46] – [16:26]

• The towns were not just economic, but also political and military hubs:
  • Honda and Guaduas: epicenters in the commercial network of the Viceroyalty.
  • Pore: key to the independence campaign, where the liberation armies gathered.
• Mention of the revolt of the comuneros (1781) and the heroic figure of Policarpa Salavarrieta (‘La Pola’) from Guaduas.
• Reflection on the birth of a mestizo Colombian population.
• Quote:

  “Esta mujer se va a volver un icono en la historia colombiana... está en los billetes de 10.000, o sea, es uno de los íconos más importantes.”
  — Diana Uribe, on La Pola [15:46]

4. The Magdalena River: The Main Character

[17:20] – [20:30]

• Interlude with cumbia music celebrating the river’s journey through Colombia ("Cumbia del río Magdalena").
• The river is a protagonist, symbolizing national destiny and unity.
• Reference to anthropologist Wade Davis’s insight:

  “El día que se descontamine por completo el río Magdalena existirá una paz en Colombia completamente.”
  — Attributed to Wade Davis [17:27]

In-Depth Town Profiles

5. Honda: The City of Bridges and Colonial Wealth

[20:30] – [28:48]

• Nicknamed “La ciudad de los puentes” (The City of Bridges), including the historic Puente Navarro (by design of Josh Strauss, also designer of the San Francisco bridge).
• Founded in 1539; one of the oldest towns, with profound colonial heritage and nearly 30°C year-round average temperature.
• Dynamic cultural scene: Carnaval de la Subienda (festival of the fish migration), Semana Santa, San Pedro Festival, summer festivals, Magdalena Fest, and mural festivals.
• Strong Arab influence: migrations from the Ottoman Empire left traces in local architecture and commerce.
• Characteristic zigzag streets, especially “la calle de las trampas,” designed for defense and intrigue.
• The Museo del Río Magdalena is highlighted as a must-see, encapsulating the river’s historical importance.
• Quote:

  “...un museo que te cuenta toda la importancia del río en la historia de Colombia... desde las épocas más opulentas hasta las épocas de violencia, también en tiempos pasados y no tan pasados.”
  — Diana Uribe [26:47]

6. Guaduas: Land of Policarpa Salavarrieta and Crossroads of the Andes

[28:49] – [39:45]

• Known as “Villa de Guaduas”, founded in 1572; third largest municipality in Cundinamarca.
• Noted for its more temperate climate, significant festivals (such as the “baile de las Cintureras” and “Ronda de la Virgen”), and colonial architecture.
• The region is rich in water with several rivers and waterfalls, especially the Salto de Versalles.
• Historic “camino real” (royal road) between Bogotá and Honda traverses Guaduas; essential trade and travel route.
• Deep connection to Policarpa Salavarrieta, executed in 1817 at age 22, symbolizing female resistance and freedom.
• Local culinary traditions blend indigenous and Spanish influences (famous for “amasijos,” “bizcocherías,” and “chiras”).
• Quotes:

  “Ella era mensajera, era informante para las tropas patriotas... ayudaba a reclutarlas... eso generaba la posibilidad de hacer la gran conspiración de la independencia.”
  — Diana Uribe, on La Pola [36:10]
  “...es un lugar muy bonito, con una arquitectura colonial muy hermosa, con lugares como donde se reunían los virreyes, que dan una instancia muy bella y muy apacible.”
  — Diana Uribe [38:28]

7. Pore: Llanero Spirit and the Heart of Independence

[39:46] – [50:47]

• Located in Casanare, founded 1644; recognized as pueblo patrimonio since 2021.
• Pore was briefly capital of the New Granada province during the independence campaign and crucial rendezvous for the armies of Santander and Bolívar before the Battle of Boyacá.
• The culture is distinctly “llanera”—cattle ranching, vast grasslands, joropo music, and oral traditions.
• The town boasts colonial ruins, the Casa Museo Antaño Llanero, and is adjacent to the vast Samairicote natural reserve.
• Highlights the “El canto del trabajo del llano” (work songs of the plains), declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
• Quote:

  “La banda sonora del llano y de Pore es muy especial... El canto del trabajo del Llano fue reconocido como Patrimonio inmaterial de la humanidad.”
  — Diana Uribe [50:18]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “El Magdalena nunca nos ha abandonado, que ha definido nuestro destino, nuestra historia, nuestro pueblo.”
  — Diana Uribe, paraphrasing Wade Davis [17:23]
• “Estos pueblos, esta Colombia, esta manera de encontrarnos en estos climas, en estas tradiciones, en estas gastronomías, eso es parte de lo que hacen estos relatos tan importantes y tan esclarecedores en nuestro concepto de nosotros mismos como pueblos patrimonio...”
  — Diana Uribe [56:23]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction to Colombian geography & the Magdalena: ~[01:30] – [05:27]
• Independence history and the role of these towns: ~[10:46] – [16:26]
• Reflection on the Magdalena river (music & analysis): [16:27] – [20:30]
• Profile: Honda: [20:30] – [28:48]
• Profile: Guaduas: [28:49] – [39:45]
• Profile: Pore: [39:46] – [50:47]

Tone and Language

Diana Uribe’s delivery is poetic, enthusiastic, and deeply evocative, aiming to paint a vivid picture of each town's history, culture, and living traditions. Musical interludes, verses, and heartfelt tributes to local historical figures and everyday people thread through a narrative that makes the listener feel both nostalgic and inspired to visit these "pueblos de la belleza".

Episode Conclusion

Diana wraps up by emphasizing the importance of understanding Colombia through the lens of its towns and their heritage, not just its conflicts. She invites listeners to discover and appreciate these places in person, honoring both the people and the powerful stories that define the country. Warm thanks are extended to local collaborators and the episode is dedicated in memoriam to historian Luis María Bastidas of Pore.

Recommendation:
This episode is ideal for listeners interested in Colombian history, culture, and travel, or anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the country’s identity beyond the headlines. The blend of narrative, music, and reflection evinces that “la belleza está en los detalles.”