When is the Best Time to Visit Boyacá, Colombia?
ABOUT BOYACA COLOMBIA
Just a short 2-3-hour journey from Bogota, you will find the beautiful and culturally rich Colombian department of Boyacá. Located in the Colombian Andes, Boyacá is home to unique and breathtaking landscapes, including rolling green hills, snow-capped mountains, arid desert, beautiful lakes, green forests, and rare paramo ecosystems. In addition to unforgettable natural scenery, you will also find some of the most charming and beautiful towns in all of the country. Journey into Colombia’s colonial past with each one of the Boyaca’s 123 villages home to unique architecture, distinct agricultural traditions, and individual customs leftover from pre-Columbian times. Once the religious center of the ancient Muisca culture, most of Boyaca’s unusual town names are derived from this Indigenous civilization. In this article, we will discuss when is the best time to visit this beautiful region that remains largely unexplored by international tourists…(If you want to know more about the gastronomy of Boyacá, check out our article – What to Eat in Boyacá).
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Village of Boyacá -
Boyacá Countryside
When is the best time to travel to Boyacá
What is the Weather Like in Boyacá, Colombia?
Situated in the Andes Mountain Range, the climate of Boyacá varies from town to town depending on the altitude. You will find snow in El Nevado del Cocuy as well as much warmer climates in towns such as Puerto Boyacá. The average temperature throughout the region is 15°C – as with the rest of the country, Colombia’s privileged location near the equator means that temperatures vary little throughout the year. Rainfall is common across the department, but it rarely rains the whole day. It might be raining one hour, and then the next it will be bright and sunny. The weather seems to have a mind of its own, capable of passing through all the seasons in one day. The climate in the following popular tourist towns is usually temperate all year round: Ráquira (the capital of Colombian handicrafts); Villa de Leyva (a beautiful Colombian Heritage Town); Sogamoso (a town with unique Indigenous history); Tibasosa (the town of Feijoa); Monguí (often considered the most beautiful town in Boyacá): and Pueblito Boyacense (an artistic village).Cold Weather Destinations in Boyacá Colombia
The coldest temperatures found in Boyacá are at El Nevado del Cocuy – one of Colombia’s 52 spectacular Natural National Parks. Temperatures here range from -5°C at night to 10°C during the day. The snow-capped mountains at El Cocuy can be explored throughout the year, but the best months to visit are between November and December. Although not quite as cold, Playa Blanca Beach is a popular tourist destination in Boyacá that also experiences cooler weather. This cold “beach” is home to the largest lake in Colombia – Lake Tota. Despite the cooler temperatures, this natural paradise and the breathtaking landscapes should not be missed off your travel bucket list. The best time of year to visit Playa Blanca for warm and hot-weather activities is from late June to late September.Hot Weather Destinations in Boyacá Colombia
The towns of Boyacá situated at lower altitudes that have warmer climates include Puerto Boyacá, Pajarito, San Luis de Gaceno, Paéz, Campo Hermoso, and more. Temperatures here can reach 30°C. If you don’t like the cold and want to enjoy the tropical Colombian sunshine, these are the best towns to visit in Boyacá. The ideal time to visit is between December-March and June-July when it is considered the dry season. From September-November and March-May, it is generally considered the rainy season with higher rainfall during these months (although this can vary).-
Playa Blanca Boyacá -
Nevado del Cocuy -
Lake Tota Boyacá -
Festivals in Boyacá
My Trip Colombia has put together a list of fun annual festivities in Boyacá that might help you decide which month to visit. Come and experience Colombian and Boyacense culture like a local…
APRIL: Religious Tourism during Easter
As well as the beautiful landscapes, many tourists visit Boyacá for excellent religious tourism. Most (if not all) of the 123 towns and villages have a cathedral, and the department is home to more than 140 beautiful churches that adorn the colonial town squares and beautiful parks. The best month to experience religious tourism is during April, around Easter time. Although specific dates vary each year, it is generally the ideal time to explore the cathedrals and monasteries, appreciate the religious art, learn about local culture, and observe religious musical shows and theater.JUNE: Tomatina Festival, Sutamarchán
During June, the historic town of Sutamarchán holds the fun and famous Tomatina Festival. This unique festival pays tribute to the town’s main agricultural crop, with Sutamarchán being one of the largest producers of tomatoes in all of Colombia. The unusual (and extremely enjoyable) celebrations turn into a giant food fight, with people throwing tomatoes at each other (often the leftover tomatoes that are not suitable for consumption). It’s a boisterous weekend full of food fights, music, and dancing, with the town holding other cultural and artistic events including music concerts, tomato competitions, and more.JULY: Sun & Steel Festival, Sogamoso
The economic activities of Sogamoso are primarily centered around the steel industry, and every July the historic town plays host to the Sun & Steel Festival. Before the arrival of the Spanish, the Indigenous Muisca people in Sogamoso celebrated the Huan festival in honor of the Sun. During the Colonial era, these celebrations continued to be held but with the inclusion of festivities from the Spanish culture, such as bullfights and celebrations including the Catholic Church. Nowadays, the Festival of Sun & Steel honors a unique mix of Spanish, Indigenous, and eastern Llanero cultures. Festival-goers can enjoy a weekend of craft fairs, fireworks shows, traditional food, bullfights, musical presentations, and more.-
Nobsa Church, Boyacá -
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Chiquinquirá Church, Boyacá -
Ráquira Church, Boyacá -
Tibasosa Church, Boyacá
