Cundinamarca

CULTURE

Bogota: Andean city with colonial heritage

Explore Bogota and be amazed by La Candelaria, its most emblematic historic neighborhood. In this place full of memory, key events such as the Grito de Independencia and the Bogotazo took place. Walk through its streets and reach the Plaza de Bolivar, surrounded by imposing architecture such as the Liévano Palace, the Primada Cathedral and the San Carlos Palace. Discover an offer unique cultural with world-class museums such as the Gold Museum, the Casa de la Moneda, the Archaeological Museum Casa del Marqués de San Jorge and the Botero Museum. Experience the history and culture of Bogota at every step.

Zipaquirá and Nemocón: Salt Tradition

Zipaquirá invites you to discover one of the most charming destinations in Cundinamarca. This picturesque town with its historic center declared a National Asset of Cultural Interest preserves its history in colonial squares and traditional architecture that reflects its cultural heritage. Tour its railway station, visit the majestic Diocesan Cathedral and enter the impressive Salt Cathedral, a subway wonder carved inside a mine. Nearby, the Nemocón Salt Mine offers a journey into the depths with its famous brine mirrors. Experience the legacy of salt extraction.

Muisca culture: Great pre-Hispanic civilizations

The Muisca culture flourished in Cundinamarca, one of the most outstanding pre-Hispanic civilizations in Colombia. Organized in a complex social and political structure, the Muiscas excelled in goldsmithing, ceramics and a deep respect for nature. Their legacy lives on in Bogotá's Gold Museum, where the emblematic Muisca Raft is on display, a gold jewel that represents the El Dorado ceremony and reflects their spiritual cosmovision. To visit this museum is to enter into the ancestral richness of a people that still inspires.

A journey of faith and religious architecture

Take a tour full of history and devotion through the most emblematic Catholic churches of the department. Start in Bogota at the Sanctuary of the Fallen Lord of Monserrate, an icon of faith with an unforgettable view. Admire the unique architecture of the National Shrine Nuestra Señora del Carmen and the Cathedral of Bogota. Also visit the San Francisco Church and the Sanctuary of the Divine Child. Outside Bogotá, marvel at churches such as the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, the Cathedral of Facatativá, the Sanctuary of the Fallen Lord of Sopó and the Chapel of Siecha in Guasca. Live a unique spiritual and cultural experience.

NATURE

National Natural Parks:

A few hours from Bogota, the National Park Natural Chingaza invites you to explore the Andean moors, with glacial lagoons, frailejones and species such as the spectacled bear. It offers hiking, wildlife observation and photography in unique landscapes. The Sumapaz National Natural Park protects the largest paramo in the world, home to the Andean condor and a vital source of water. Its ecological value makes it an unmissable natural symbol of Colombia. Reservations must be made in advance and entrance fees must be paid before the visit.

El Dorado Legend Route

This route invites you to discover the mystery and ancestral history of the Muiscas through majestic landscapes. Travel through mythical scenery such as the Guatavita Lagoon, where according to legend the Muisca chieftain covered himself with gold dust and sailed to the center of the lagoon, offering gold and precious jewels to the gods. Be amazed by the beauty of the lagoons of Siecha, Fúquene and Ubaté. Each body of water surrounded by lush landscapes holds millenary stories and offers a unique connection with nature.

Exploration and bird watching:

Discover amazing destinations near Bogota full of adventure and nature. Nimaima and Útica are ideal destinations for adrenaline lovers, where you can practice rafting, torrenting, canopy, ecological hikes and other activities in the Negro River and a diversity of waterfalls. Suesca, known for its imposing rocks, is perfect for climbing, rappelling and hiking through the Cañón de las Lechuzas. Chicaque Natural Park invites you to explore more than 20 km of ecological trails, bird watching, zip-lining, tree climbing and horseback riding. Connect with unique landscapes and live unforgettable experiences ideal for adventurers.

ANCESTRAL COMMUNITIES AND RURALITY

Indigenous communities and peoples:

Discover the rich heritage of the Muiscas in Cundinamarca, an ancestral culture that left deep traces in the region. Visit the Muisca Cabildo of Sesquilé, an ancient community that keeps alive their traditions, customs and knowledge. Immerse yourself in the history of this people that inhabited the valleys and mountains, and learn about their legacy in crafts, ceremonies and social organization. Cundinamarca invites you to connect with their Muisca roots and live a unique and unforgettable cultural experience.

Holidays:

In Bogota, the Chicha, Life and Happiness Festival, cultural heritage of Colombia, is a celebration that pays tribute to the ancestral traditions of the Andean peoples. This event invites visitors to enjoy artisanal chicha, typical gastronomy, traditional music and peasant knowledge. It is an experience that connects the visitor with the cultural identity of the territory. Come and live the joy of an authentic Andean festival.

Bogota vibrates with a cultural agenda full of life. Highlights include the Festivals al Parque, such as Rock, Jazz, Salsa and Hip Hop, held throughout the year in the Simon Bolivar Park. Other highlights include the International Book Fair between April and May, the Ibero-American Theater Festival every two years between March and April, and the Summer Festival in August, which fills the city with art, music and unforgettable experiences for all visitors.

GASTRONOMY

Traditional cuisine:

Cundinamarca offers a gastronomy authentic that invites you to enjoy unique flavors. Try the ajiaco, a thick soup with three types of potatoes, chicken and the guasca plant, ideal for cold weather. The fritanga is composed of meats, chorizo, creole potatoes and plantains in a traditional feast. Tamales, wrapped in banana leaves, combine rice, meat and vegetables. The sobrebarriga, beef in creole sauce melts in your mouth with its homemade dressing. And for a sweet craving, don't miss the cuajada con melao made of milk with panela honey. Come and delight your palate with Andean flavors.

CRAFTS

Cundinamarca offers a variety of artisanal that reflect the culture of its towns. In Guaduas and Ubaté you will find wool and cotton weavings, while in Anolaima you will find wood carvings and in Cajicá embroidery in virgin wool. Visit fairs like the one in Zipaquirá or the Tejilarte Artisan Festival in Sutatausa to discover and support these unique expressions. Take with you an authentic souvenir of this land full of creativity.