Tourism in Boyacá

The department of Boyacá is the historical and natural heart of the Colombian Andes. With more heritage towns than any other department, unique páramo landscapes in the world and the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy as the jewel of ecotourism, Boyacá combines living history with exceptional nature. Villa de Leyva, Lake Tota, the hot springs of Paipa and the crafts of Ráquira make this department one of the most complete in the country for domestic and international tourism.

MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF BOYACÁ

The most visited and unmissable destinations and experiences in Boyacá:

Attraction	Type	Description
Villa de Leyva	Heritage town	Largest main square in Colombia (14,000 m²), 16th century colonial architecture, flea market, fossils.
Sierra Nevada del Cocuy	Ecotourism / Mountain	Trekking among Andean glaciers at 5,000 m.a.s.l. UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Season: July–August.
Lake Tota	Nature / Relaxation	High mountain lake at 3,015 m.a.s.l. Trout fishing, strawberries, onions and sunflowers on its shores.
Paipa Hot Springs	Wellness	Thermal waters at 38–40 °C with medicinal properties. Multiple thermal hotels.
Ráquira	Crafts	Colombia's craft capital. Ceramics, textiles, woodwork. Colorful facades.
Tunja — Historic Center	Heritage	Department capital with 16th century colonial churches, Casa del Fundador, unique mural paintings.

ECOTOURISM AND NATURE IN BOYACÁ

El Cocuy National Natural Park and the Iguaque Biosphere Reserve protect páramo ecosystems with frailejones, condors and spectacled bears. Lake Iguaque, at 3,500 m.a.s.l., is a sacred Muisca site and trekking destination. The Sumapaz páramo (shared with Cundinamarca) is the largest páramo in the world.

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL HERITAGE OF BOYACÁ

Boyacá is the birthplace of independence: the Puente de Boyacá (1819) is the most important historical monument in the country. Virgin wool weavings from Nobsa and fique from Curití are living artisan traditions. Tunja's Holy Week is declared National Cultural Heritage.

TYPICAL GASTRONOMY OF BOYACÁ

Cocido boyacense (corncob, potato, broad beans, beans, meat), chicken ajiaco, changua (milk soup), almojábanas and cuajadas, mute, wheat cuchuco. Paipa is known for its cheese and corn masato.

HOW TO GET THERE

Bus from Bogotá to Tunja (2.5–3 h), Villa de Leyva (3.5 h) or Duitama (3 h). No active commercial airport in the department. Car rental recommended for visiting multiple destinations.

Also check the climate of Boyacá and the list of municipalities of Boyacá to plan your visit.