Visit Mongui and Know its Heritage, Football Balloons and the Ocetá Páramo
Mongui is on the list of “Network of Colombian Heritage Villages“, being one of the most beautiful towns in the department of Boyacá, besides having a great history to tell its visitors in the middle of its cobblestone streets.
You will fall in love with its colonial and republican court buildings and the kindness of its inhabitants. Mongui has an average temperature between 8 ºC (46º F) and 16º (60º F), and it is located at an altitude between 2.923 and 3.854 meters above sea level.
In this guide, you will have the necessary information to visit this adorable town.
Table of Contents
Discovering Mongui, Boyacá, Colombia
Mongui is located in the department of Boyaca, 3.5 hours (223 km) from Bogotá and 1.5 hours (88 km) from Tunja, the capital of the department.
In addition, Mongui has special geographic characteristics that favor a great variety of native fauna, flora, and soils throughout the municipality, and an important diverse biodiversity.
How to get to Mongui
To get to Mongui you must take a 3,5 -hours road trip (totaling 223 km) from Bogotá for until you reach Mongui; during your trip you will be able to appreciate the Cundiboyacence highlands.
Where to stay
In Mongui you will find numerous accommodation offerings for all budgets and personal tastes; our recommendation for is the Hotel Otti Colonial.
Ecotourism in Mongui, Boyacá
Ocetá Paramo
Ocetá paramo is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, this is because its valleys contain the largest number of species of paramo flora in Colombia.
Among the most characteristic fauna that you will be able to appreciate are the lupines, senecios, white-tailed deer and the beautiful hummingbird chivito de páramo; without forgetting to enjoy the magical viewpoints that will take your breath away.
Mongui is the closest town to the paramo, so you can dedicate a day of your visit to the town to visit this beautiful valley of Frailejones, where you can visit the Black Lagoon, the Boat, the City of stone and it is also possible to see fields of senecios. If you are lucky and the sky is clear, it is possible to see the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy.
To get to the paramo you can choose the option of walking for 3 hours or take the service of a 4X4 car, but it is essential that you take the guide service to safely enjoy the paramo while you learn about this beautiful place.
Rock climbing
On the outskirts of Mongui you can test your endurance to climb a rock, with a duration of 4 to 8 hours depending on the intensity you want to practice.
In the center of town you will find guides who can offer you this service.
Mountain biking
2 available routes start downtown and extend over 20 km and 40 km, where you will have an ascent up to 3650 meters above sea level at the highest point; on the way you will be able to appreciate the beautiful landscapes. The average time is 5 to 8 hours and it is advisable to start the tour in the morning.
Know the Cultural Patrimony of Mongui
History of Balloons in Mongui
When Froilán Ladino was recruited in 1932 to render military service for Colombia in the war against Peru; when he was in Manaus he met Brazilian saddlers who were experts in the manufacture of leather balls; and two years later, when the war ended and he returned to Monguí, he joined his brother Manuel, to create his own tannery and to elaborate leather balls.
Froilán taught the craft of ball manufacturing to a group of twelve peasants who later became known as the “twelve apostles”. This activity was a new way to generate resources with an activity that could be combined with agriculture and cattle raising.
The Ladino company had its best period in the 1970s, when they were in charge of supplying demand throughout the country.
However, the boom in the entry of Chinese products in the 2000s caused a decline in the demand affecting domestic manufacturers like Ladino.
If you want to get more information and learn more historical data in the Ball Museum located in the village you will be able to learn.
Calicanto Colonial Bridge
The bridge was built by the Sanoha tribe in the XVII century over the Morro River, its name comes from the material with which it is made: calicanto, a glue made of a mixture of lime, sand, beef blood and molasses.
It represents a typical work of the Colonial era, after its construction was where the stones that were used to build the Basilica of Our Lady of Monguí were transported.
Basilica and cloister of Nuestra Señora de Monguí
This beautiful stone-built Basilica was finished during the seventeenth century and is considered cultural heritage of Colombia, besides being an architectural treasure of the department.
Its origin was a small chapel where the Franciscan missionaries met to evangelize the indigenous people who were in this region.
When you are in front of the front door you will be able to appreciate the coats of arms of the kingdoms of Aragon and Castile, as a symbol to remember the supremacy of Spain during the time in the region.
Franciscan Convent and Church
The Franciscan convent and church is located next to the Basilica, it has 2 floors and what you will appreciate most are the ceilings supported by Roman arches, at the entrance you will be able to appreciate a gigantic stone column in the form of a spiral of about 2.5 meters high.
Its construction took 100 years, since those responsible for its manufacture decided to devote the relevant time to each of the details; when you are walking inside the convent you will be able to see some paintings depicting scenes of Christianity, and some furniture used by the friars of the time.
Peasant for a day
Through sustainable tourism and the association of several farmers you can experience a day of a family in the sector; you can learn about morning activities, animal management techniques and the preparation of typical foods. This activity begins in the early morning and ends after lunch.
References
- Network of Colombian Heritage Villages
- Colombia Travel
About the author
Luisa Martin
Engineer, world traveler, amateur photographer, traveling blogger, and foody.
