PUNTA LARGA – NOBSA – MONGUÍ

Next, head to Nobsa, just 9 km away, and discover this lovely town, known as the birthplace of the ruana. You’ll see how essential sheep’s wool is here, with weaving happening in nearly every home. While you’re here, one of the greatest discoveries of the department awaits: the opportunity to see bell-making in action with the family who has been perfecting this craft for generations. Take time to meet the local artisans we recommend; you can spend the night here or head to Monguí, just 40 minutes (20 km) away. Monguí is one of the most beautiful towns in Boyacá, and you should definitely spend a full day exploring it. Once an important Muisca chiefdom before the Spanish colonization, it later became a center of Catholic evangelization, which is the reason for its Nuestra Señora de Monguí Church to be stunning. The people of Monguí are devoted to Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, who is believed to have performed miracles, making pilgrimage a key event for the town. But Monguí isn’t just known for its religious devotion; it’s also the birthplace of the iconic hand-sewn soccer balls that have given the town a strong identity. Enjoy watching the balls hanging in the streets and observe the women weaving them. Visit our recommended artisan to understand the importance of this craft. Monguí is also the home of the famous gualdrapas, colorful woolen rugs that decorate the traditional Boyacá homes.

CERINZA-GUACAMAYAS

You can stay overnight in Duitama and make an early start toward Cerinza, just half an hour away. We recommend beginning your day early so you can witness the transformation of the landscape as the morning mist lifts with the warming air, revealing lush green pastures and the imposing Cerro del Tíbet, which will watch over your visit like a quiet guardian. In Cerinza, you’ll experience two types of artisan life: one rooted in the town, and another in the countryside, thanks to two groups of esparto artisans. With Nelcy, you’ll get a taste of local life while she weaves baskets, placemats, and the cazuelas that are a staple on Cundinamarca and Boyacá tables—perfect for serving snacks, empanadas, or a steaming bowl of ajiaco. With the women of ADAUC, you’ll get a glimpse into rural routines, where weaving is interwoven with tending cattle and crops. Don’t miss the chance to book a traditional lunch with them!

In the afternoon, you can visit the Gothic-style Church of the Immaculate Conception and the colonial Chapel of Santa Lucía. Or, if you prefer nature, head to El Paraíso Sports Club, a family-friendly farm in the Novare area, where you can try your luck at archery or paintball. Another option is to hike up Cerro de las Cruces for a panoramic view of Cerinza. If you’re eager to explore the surrounding mountains more deeply, extend your visit by a day and hike to the Careperro Lagoon. The trek is on foot, and the reward is arriving at its still waters, framed by frailejones and misty páramo clouds.

Nearly five hours from Cerinza, in the far north of Boyacá, you’ll find Guacamayas. Take your time on the road and make the most of the journey by visiting the charming towns along the way: Belén, with its grid-pattern streets and plaza lined with towering palm trees; Susacón, with its viewpoint over the Chicamocha Canyon at Alto Cruz de Mayo; Soatá, with its colorful murals on Calle del Comercio and stunning natural surroundings; La Uvita, known for its rolling hills; and San Mateo, where you’ll find the historical Casa Redonda.

Reaching Guacamayas will be more than worth it. The town will appear suddenly between the curves of the road—hence its nickname, the “surprise town.” Nestled on a mountainside, locals say it has every climate—and they’re not wrong! Down in the town, the weather is warm and welcoming, like its people. But climb up the mountain, and you’ll gradually feel the need to bundle up. In its surroundings, you’ll find fields of sugarcane, coffee, potatoes, and maize. In town, a clean and colorful environment fosters the blooming of the orchids that fill its gardens. Don’t miss the trail Los Moros, the San Diego Alcalá parish, and the San Diego and Recycling Ecological Parks. Spend your afternoon wandering the streets or strolling along the Orchid Trail, and be sure to try a local delicacy: chorotas soup. The next day, dive deep into the artisanry that earned Guacamayas its Denomination of Origin, guided by Omaira Manrique, an unstoppable community leader, and Francisco Silva, recipient of the Contemporary Craftsmanship Mastery Medal, as well as the members of Asoartesgua. You’ll come to appreciate the delicate techniques and the rich heritage passed down from their Lache ancestors.

To top it all off, take advantage of the chance to visit the Nevado del Cocuy—a breathtaking landscape and a sacred territory for the U’Wa indigenous people. From Guacamayas, you’re only about thirty minutes away from the towns of Cocuy, an architectural heritage town, or Güicán. In both, you can arrange your permits and insurance for entering the park, and you’ll find plenty of cabins and lodges to rest in before beginning your high-altitude adventure into the National Natural Park of El Cocuy. On your way back down, reward yourself with a relaxing soak in the hot springs of La Salinita in El Espino or those in San Luis, Güicán.