Highlights of Boyacá with hiking at the Páramo de Ocetá

DAY 1 – BOGOTÁ, PUENTE DE BOYACÁ, VILLA DE LEYVA

After breakfast, departure with your driver-guide to spend a few days in the beautiful Boyacá region, famous for its historical relevance in the process of independence of Colombia and for its fascinating landscapes. Some of the most beautiful villages in Colombia are located in this region just north from Bogotá.

From Bogotá relax during a pleasant 3 hours drive on the way to Villa de Leyva, a true Colombian jewel. The city was recognized in 1954 as a national monument for its perfectly preserved colonial-style architecture.

Before getting to Villa de Leyva’s historical city center, enjoy a stop at the famous Terracotta House, the largest pottery in the world. You will have the opportunity to visit a masterpiece of architecture: a habitable house completely built with terracotta by the architect Octavio Mendoza Morales.

Check-in at your hotel in Villa de Leyva and enjoy the whole afternoon at your leisure to visit the historic center. The large main square, 2 storey colonial buildings with balconies and terraces, whitewashed walls and cobblestone streets make of Villa de Leyva one of those places you’ll certainly fall in love with.

Overnight in Villa de Leyva (typical hotel in the historic town centre)

Included: private transportation, driver-guide (spoken languages ​​ English / Spanish), sightseeing as mentioned in the program, entrance to the Terracotta House, hotel with breakfast included in Villa de Leyva.

DAY 2 – PÁRAMO DE OCETÁ, MONGUI

Today we leave early from Villa de Leyva to reach Mongui (about a 2 hours and 30 minutes drive) and enjoy an amazing hike at the Páramo de Ocetá, a unique ecosystem typical of the Andean region.

Transfer from Mongui to Paramo de Ocetá by 4×4 off-road vehicle. Then a local guide will take you on a 4 hours hike (medium difficulty) at an altitude between 3,300 – 3,700 mt (10,800 – 12,100 ft) to appreciate the wonderful landscapes and the unique vegetation of the páramo (including the iconic native plants “frailejones”.) The páramo is a fragile and strategic ecosystem, considered in Colombia a “water factory” because it absorbs, purifies, and releases large quantities of water that give origin to the main rivers that cross the country.

At the end of this beautiful hike, check-in at your hotel. Free time to have lunch on your own, relax and discover at leisure Mongui, universally considered among the most beautiful villages in the whole of Colombia. Do not miss the main square with the Basilica of Our Lady of Mongui and the Ponte Real de Calicanto.

Overnight in Mongui (typical hotel in the historic town center)

Included: private transportation, driver-guide (spoken languages english/spanish), sightseeing as mentioned in the program, guided hike with local guide and transportation in a 4×4 vehicle, hotel with breakfast included in Mongui.

DAY 3 – TOTA LAKE, PUEBLITO BOYACENSE, BOGOTÁ

Today after breakfast, departure from Mongui to the Tota Lake (an approx 2 hours drive), the largest in Colombia with an area of ​​55 square km (21.3 squared miles). Located at 3,015 m (9,892 ft above sea level), it is the second highest navigable lake in South America after the Titicaca Lake (Perú/Bolivia).

Enjoy amazing views along the road on the way to one of the most iconic places in the area, Playa Blanca (White Beach.) Have a stroll on this incredible natural sandy beach in a small bay located on south-western shore of the lake. In such a surreal landscape, it seems impossible to find oneself at more than 3,000 m (9,000 ft) above the sea level.

Then it’s just a short drive to the lovely village of Iza to enjoy a nice typical Colombian lunch (main dish, side dish, water/soft drink and coffee included).

After lunch, we reach in just an 1 hour the town of Duitama to visit the famous Pueblito Boyacense, one of the most visited attractions in the Boyacá region. Here you are able to walk through the streets of a “pueblo” -town- with the reconstruction of about 100 of the most iconic buildings in 7 towns of this region (Mongui, Tibasosa, Villa de Leyva, Tenza, Ráquira, Sáchica y El Cocuy).

In the early afternoon, start the journey back to Bogotá with arrival to your hotel in the evening.

Included: private transportation, driver-guide (spoken languages english/spanish), sightseeing as mentioned in the program, entrance ticket to Playa Blanca and Pueblito Boyacense, lunch included.