
BOYACÁ


Best of Boyacá

Villa de Leyva
Cobblestone streets and colonial buildings feature in this town with one of the largest plazas in all of Latin America. Stay a few days to enjoy both the town and surrounding attractions, and to try a few of the great restaurants.

Ráquira
Colombia's pottery capital is a colorful town with plenty of souvenir shops to find that perfect gift. Nearby is La Candelaria, a small hamlet with an Augustine monastery dating back to 1604.

Monguí
Scenic Monguí has an attractive town plaza and beautiful colonial architecture as well as a unique local handicraft - soccer balls.

Tibasosa
It's all about feijoa in Tibasosa, a quaint little town that's crazy about this tasty green fruit. You can find all kinds of feijoa products from candies to liquors and jams to juices.

Paipa
Relax in the natural hot springs of Paipa. Our pick is the historic Hacienda El Salitre, which played a bit part in Colombia's struggle for independence.

Iza
Got a sweet tooth? Head straight to Iza, the dessert capital of Colombia. Just outside the pretty plaza you'll find a market with locals peddling homemade merengón. Try to resist eating just one portion!

Lago de Tota
Colombia's largest natural lake features a white sand beach. If the water is too cold to swim, head out onto the lake for a scenic cruise.

Tunja
Boyacá's capital city is often overlooked by travelers but is worth a stop. Some of the best-preserved frescoes in Latin America are found in two colonial mansions in the city, and there are some impressive churches as well.

Puente de Boyacá
Colombia won its independence from Spain at this small bridge just south of Tunja. Pay homage to Simón Bolívar and Francisco de Paula Santander at this scenic area full of monuments.

Sutamarchán
Sutamarchán is famous for longaniza, a local sausage that's sold in roadside restaurants running through town. Visit from nearby Villa de Leyva or stop for lunch on your way to Ráquira.

Tinjacá
Stop in Tinjacá on your way to Ráquira to learn about tagua handicrafts. Tagua is a palm seed that has 97% of the properties of ivory.

Pantano de Vargas
The largest monument in Colombia commemorates an important battle in the country's struggle for independence. A small replica village next to the monument sells local crafts and souvenirs.

Nobsa
Buy a ruana or other products made of wool in Nobsa. The main street through town is full of shops that sell these local poncho-style coats that date back to pre-Columbian times. The plaza is also worth seeing.

Tópaga
Sleepy Tópaga is a coal mining town with a historic colonial church. The locals sell handicrafts made out of coal.

Páramo de Iguaque
If you're up for a tough day of hiking, spend a day at the Páramo de Iguaque. A difficult uphill hike takes you to the Laguna de Iguaque, which was sacred to the indigenous Muisca people as the birthplace of humanity.