As it turns out, “the world’s most beautiful paramo” (an alpine ecosystem in the Andes) is right next to “Boyaca’s most beautiful town!” Really, the Oceta Paramo and Mongui are known for that, respectively. Just knowing that makes Mongui a place to go, especially in December when the streets light up with millions of Christmas lights. A random fact: 25% of Colombia’s supply of balls comes from Mongui. So if you need a ball and want to travel, Mongui is the perfect place. This is how to get to Mongui.
You might also like: how to get to Isla Fuerte.
How to get to Mongui
*The map to get to Mongui from Bogota is at the end of this post!
In a car
With a GPS (highly recommended): type in “Mongui, Boyaca” in Waze or Google Maps and follow the directions.
Without a GPS:
- Exit Bogota heading north. Stay on the main road, following the signs to Tunja or Sogamoso when the road may split.
- Right before Tunja, stay on your left. The road will split in two and the left-side road will take you to Sogamoso instead of straight into the heart of Tunja. There are signs, so be watching for them!
- Stay on this road, following signs to Sogamoso. You’ll go straight through Paipa. Stay on the main road.
- You will soon get to a round-about where a sign will indicate that you can go towards Tibabosa or Nobsa. Take the second exit, towards Nobsa, and stay on the main road.
- The exit to go up the mountain to Mongui will be on your right. The sign is right between the fork in the road, so be watching. It is right after a restaurant with blue windows.
- Drive up the windy road. From here on out I suggest you use the map below, because this could get confusing. When you get to the fork in the road with a virgin’s statue in the middle, go right and drive all the way to the Mongui’s main plaza.
On Public Transportation
- Go to Bogota’s Bus Terminal (search Terminal de Transporte on Google Maps or Waze) and take a bus from there to Sogamoso. It will cost about $25,000 Colombian pesos or $8.50 USD.
- Once you get to Sogamoso’s bus terminal, take a bus from there to Mongui.
- The bus drops you off at the main plaza.
What to do in Mongui:
Hike to the Laguna Negra (Black Lagoon) and the Ocetá Paramo:
As I said before, the Oceta Paramo is known as the world’s most beautiful paramo. Now, I haven’t been to all of the world’s paramos, but this one is the most beautiful I’ve seen. You can get there and to the Laguna Negra walking from Mongui or in a car, going around the mountain. We’ve camped 3 nights there and they have been some of the best camping nights in my life. You have to see this place, even if it’s on a day trip. We actually have an entire blog post dedicated to the lagoon. Click here to read how to get to the Laguna Negra!
Buy some balls:
Mongui makes 25% of Colombia’s balls and exports even more. At the main plaza, at least one in every four shops has balls hanging inside and outside the buildings. They’re really good, handmade, and the perfect souvenir with which to remember the town.
Go to Lake Tota:
Lake Tota is Colombia’s biggest lake, so it’s worth giving it a visit on your trip to or from Mongui. My recommendation is you go on the way to or back because it’s a good 50 km (30 miles) from Mongui and it can be a full-day activity. You can have a picnic, eat at a restaurant, walk around, fish, etc. You can also camp there, and let me tell you – the sunsets and sunrises at Lake Tota are dreamy! You have to take your camera.
Relax, walk around, be a tourist:
Other blogs will recommend you just sit back and relax in Mongui. And I would have to agree because it is so calm and quaint. What I disagree with is that there isn’t anything to do. Please, if there are mountains around you there’s lots to do! And relaxing and resting is so much more gratifying after an adventure.
Some things to know:
– The drive to Mongui takes about 3.5 hours.
– If you’re going to walk from Mongui to the Laguna Negra, I recommend you hire a guide because they know how to deal with locals who don’t like tourists.
– Make sure you take cash to pay for the products and services you can’t pay with your card (most things).
– Mongui’s famous balls are handmade.
– Lake Tota is about 50 km, or 30 miles, from Mongui.
– There are 3 tolls from Bogota to Mongui.
I hope this has helped you learn how to get to Mongui and that it motivates you to visit this lovely town!
If you’re interested in visiting a fun town close to Bogota, read this blog post on how to get to Suesca.
