Province de Barbacoas, Historical province in southwestern Colombia.
Provincia de Barbacoas was a historical administrative region in southwestern Colombia that stretched from the Pacific coast to the Andes. The area contained dense rainforests, coastal zones, and mountainous regions near the Ecuadorian border.
The territory was established as a province in 1857 within the State of Cauca and retained Barbacoas as its capital until dissolution in 1904. During those nearly 50 years, the region played a role in Colombia's administrative system.
The territory was home to three indigenous groups, the Barbacoa, Telembi, and Iscuande peoples, whose craftspeople developed sophisticated gold-working techniques. Their skills left marks on the objects and stories that came down through generations.
The historical region was organized into nine administrative districts, with Barbacoas serving as the main center alongside Bocagrande, Iscuandé, Magüí, Mosquera, and other settlements. Those exploring the area today will find only historical traces and local communities.
The region received about 6,860 millimeters of rain annually, making it one of the wettest areas in Colombia during the 19th century. This extreme moisture shaped the dense forests and entire ecosystem of the territory.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
