Sogamoso

Sogamoso is a city in the department of Boyacá in Colombia. It is 2,492 m above sea level and the population is around 130,000.

Get in

 * From Bogotá: catch a bus at the Portal Norte, 4hr 30min (COP$35,000, October 2022)
 * From Tunja: frequent buses, 1hr 30min (COP$10,000, October 2022)

See

 * San Martin Cathedral
 * Archaeological Park
 * El Templo del Sol (Sun Temple)
 * La Pilita de la Unión
 * La Casona de Pie de Cuesta (Big house)
 * Sacred Fountain of Conchuda
 * El Oratorio (Chapel)
 * El Arco De Monquirá (Arch)
 * Hill and Chapel of Santa Barbara

Do

 * Thermal Pools in Iza
 * Don't miss:
 * Thermal Pools in Iza
 * Don't miss:

Lago de Tota and surrounding villages- Colombia's highest and largest natural lake, at an altitude of 3015m, is easily reached from Sogamoso by bus and is a must see. Dotted around the spectacular lake are towns including Aquitania, which is famous for its trout. Visit Restaurant Don Lucho, to the right of the Cathedral, to try fresh rainbow trout and regional drink 'Refajo' which is a mix of beer, apple soda and malt. Other towns include Tota and Cuitiva. This beautiful circuit around the lake is an achievable day trip by bus from Sogamoso with some spectacular scenery.

The lake also boasts a beautiful white sand beach 'Playa Blanca', located between Aquitania and Tota. There is a restaurant and BBQs here and remember to check returning bus times.

Thermal pools- Located in Iza, these thermal pools and sauna offer an opportunity to relax and unwind. Choose between multiple pools for varying temperatures. Entry cost is COP$9500 for the day and less if you are staying at Finca San Pedro. You will need to take a short taxi from Iza to reach the pools.

Other towns- An easy bus ride from Sogamoso are numerous colonial towns well worth exploring. Visit the white washed Tibasosa with its beautiful plaza and home of the fruit 'Feijoa', which cafes serve in juice, sweets, ice cream and alcohol. Beautiful Mongui is located high amongst mountains. The catedral and adjoining monastery here is magnificent. Obviously there is Iza with its thermal pools and famous sweets, especially popular on a Sunday afternoon around the central plaza. You can also find great bread at Firavitoba, and a wide sample of ‘ruanas’ (traditional ‘poncho’) and many wool handicrafts at Nobsa.

Drink

 * Refajo: a mix of beer, apple soda and malt.

Sleep

 * Hotel Cristal, +57 314 2383426, bei Cl. 13 #14-2 a 14-58, Sogamoso. Family run hotel nicely located between bus terminal and city centre. The building and interior are so old, that it is already great again. Nice and clean though. Very friendly and helpful staff. Double with private bathroom COP$45,000-65,000 COP (Aug 2017) (they welcome direct bookings).
 * Hotel Cristal, +57 314 2383426, bei Cl. 13 #14-2 a 14-58, Sogamoso. Family run hotel nicely located between bus terminal and city centre. The building and interior are so old, that it is already great again. Nice and clean though. Very friendly and helpful staff. Double with private bathroom COP$45,000-65,000 COP (Aug 2017) (they welcome direct bookings).

Go next

 * Tibasosa: Famous as the world capital of the feijoa fruit. Well conserved main plaza surrounded by shops selling feijoa derived products : sweets, ice cream, liquor, arequipe... (Bus COP$1,000)
 * Monguí : Beautiful colonial village set in the hills that celebrated its 400 years in 2001. Access to the Páramo de Ocetá. (Bus COP$5,500 - October 2022)