Many tourists expect a simple village on their first visit to Monguí, Colombia. Yet they are pleasantly surprised to discover cobblestone streets and colonial houses, an impressive basilica and lush páramos. Welcome to the football capital—Monguí will captivate you from the moment you arrive.

Geographic Location

Monguí is located in the department of Boyacá, in the Sugamuxi province. This town sits at an altitude of 2,900 meters above sea level, in eastern Boyacá. It is approximately 97 kilometers from Tunja, the departmental capital.

History

The town was founded in 1601. As one of Colombia's designated heritage villages, Monguí is home to numerous renowned cultural and historical sites. The city's architecture reflects its colonial past. The municipality's economy relies primarily on tourism, industry, livestock farming, beekeeping, mining (coal) and football manufacturing.

The Football Capital

In Monguí, roughly a quarter of its 4,900 inhabitants manufacture footballs across some twenty companies. Some are still hand-stitched, a technique adopted in the 1930s. Football craftsmanship is a skill passed down through generations in this community. The town is renowned as the leading football manufacturer in the region. On the main plaza, you'll see dozens of balls suspended from balconies and doorways, with a statue even dedicated to this iconic product. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the hand-stitched football workshops scattered throughout this charming village.

Discovering Monguí and Its Surroundings

Trekking the Ocetá Páramo

The Ocetá páramo is an unmissable destination. Páramos are high-altitude biotopes found at approximately 3,500 meters in the Andes Cordillera. To trek these heights, you'll need to be in excellent physical condition. The Ocetá páramo hike is demanding, but the effort rewards you with unforgettable scenery. Since trails are unmarked, hiring a local guide is strongly recommended to avoid getting lost. The landscapes are mystical and ever-changing. You'll pass the legendary "lost city" and discover a hidden waterfall nestled deep in the jungle. As you climb higher, the vegetation transforms, with iconic frailejones—plants typical of páramos—becoming increasingly abundant. The summit views are breathtaking. The trek takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on your pace and fitness level.

Puente Real de Calicanto

Built from stone, the Puente Real de Calicanto (Royal Bridge of Calicanto) holds significant historical and cultural importance. This bridge measures five meters wide and twenty meters long, dating back to the 17th century. It represents the colonial period and was originally used to transport stone for building the Basilica of Our Lady. It remains the town's most iconic attraction and is absolutely worth seeing during your visit to Monguí.

Basílica Menor Nuestra Señora de Monguí

The Basilica of Our Lady of Monguí is an emblematic structure in the town. The main church and convent were constructed from stone, with work spanning from 1694 to 1760. This religious building is remarkable for its Romanesque style and straightforward architecture. Inside, you'll find an image of the Virgin Mary and several paintings by renowned artist Gregorio Vasquez de Arce y Ceballos.

Practical Information

To get there, take a bus from the Salitre transport terminal (Autoboy company) heading toward the municipality of Sogamoso. The journey takes approximately 4 hours. Budget around $40,000 COP for the bus fare.

You can also reach Sogamoso from Tunja in about 1.5 hours for $15,000 COP.

From Sogamoso, take another bus ($8,000 COP approximately) to Monguí's main plaza. Buses depart every 20 minutes and the journey takes roughly 40 minutes.

When to Visit?

Monguí can be visited year-round. Temperatures range between 5°C and 15°C throughout the year. However, the best period is from June to September, when the climate is most favorable, though rain showers are possible anytime. Pack accordingly with warm clothes for evenings and a waterproof jacket.