If you’re looking for a hotel in Duitama, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on: cultural history and designed squares, or a route through Andean forest up to the páramo.
Industrial history at Molino Tundama
Molino Tundama brings together several chapters of Duitama’s industrial history. In 1911, it was known as the Tundama milling industry; construction took 13 years, and the mill began operating in 1924 with 21 employees. Santiago Rivas Camacho was Molino Tundama’s foremost promoter. Its name, construction period, start of operations and workforce offer different reference points for its history. This is therefore not just a historic building, but also a story of its construction and operation.
Seven squares and architecture at Pueblito Boyacense
Pueblito Boyacense makes an architectural statement. The place is laid out around seven small squares representing Villa de Leyva, Tibasosa, Tenza, Sáchica, El Cocuy, Monguà and Ráquira. The buildings are inspired by Boyacá’s architecture; clay tiles, paved areas, roundwood and wooden balconies are among their defining features. The squares and building elements illustrate two sides of the same concept: the squares organize the ensemble, while the materials and balconies shape its design. In 2006, Pueblito Boyacense was declared a cultural and tourism heritage site of Boyacá.
Plaza and Catedral: tree, festival traditions and architecture
A Cedrela, about 25 to 30 meters tall, stands at the center of Plaza de Los Libertadores. It blooms from January to August. The tree marks the heart of the square and adds a seasonal dimension to Duitama’s cityscape. Most activities during traditional festivals and celebrations also take place at the Plaza. The square is thus defined by both the Cedrela and its festival traditions.
Catedral San Lorenzo is in central Duitama, dates from the 19th century and combines Romanesque, Doric and Spanish Baroque architectural elements. It is considered a place for religious activities and for appreciating, interpreting and sharing cultural and historical art. The Plaza and the Catedral offer different points of focus: the tree and festival traditions take center stage at one, while architectural history and religious and cultural art define the other.
Culture, recreation and nature
Casona de Culturama promotes the community’s cultural development through theater, music, painting and dance, as well as workshops and events. This variety offers a different cultural perspective from the industrial history of Molino Tundama or the architectural features of Pueblito Boyacense. Parque Recreacional del Norte adds sports facilities, exercise areas for the general public and green spaces for recreation and leisure.
Sendero Ecológico la Zarza winds through Andean forest, follows a small stream, passes a tall rocky waterfall and ends in the páramo. It is located in Vereda La Trinidad in the Municipality of Duitama. Hiking, guided tours and birdwatching are all associated with the trail. Unlike the individual architectural and cultural sites described above, its character comes from the route and the changing landscape up to the páramo. For travelers who want to focus on nature and birdwatching, it offers a clearly distinct theme alongside Duitama’s architecture and culture.
Discover more destinations: Sogamoso, Zetaquira, Cucaita, Mongua, RamiriquĂ, Tinjacá, JericĂł, GĂĽicán.
For the broader travel overview: Boyacá.
