This tourist destination, besides having an extraordinary beauty, hides secrets and myths of the indigenous culture Muisca, the Iguaque Lagoon is a sacred place, according to the muiscas memories, is in this place where the humanity originates, since there is born the goddess Bachue, who, according to her cosmogony, is the Good Woman, mother of the muiscas. In this place of fantasy offerings were taken to the gods Sun and Moon. Visiting this tourist site is a spiritual encounter and purification of the soul because the landscape and the harmony of the site offer a gratifying experience.


How to get to the Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, Boyacá

The Flora and Fauna Sanctuary is located in the department of Boyacá, in the municipalities of Villa de Leyva and Tunja. To get to the Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary you must take a bus to Villa de Leyva and at the transportation terminal take a bus to Casa de Piedra, an area that is about 45 minutes walk from the entrance to the Sanctuary. If from your city you cannot find buses with direct destination to Villa de Leyva, you can take a bus that takes you to Tunja, in Tunja you will find buses that take you to Villa de Leyva.

Keep in mind that the bus that takes you to Casa de Piedra leaves until 7:00 am, so the best option is to get up early and take this service.

Geography and climate in Iguaque, Boyacá

In the Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary you will experience temperatures from 4°C to 12°C, depending on the altitude, the maximum altitude in this tourist site is 3.800 meters above sea level. You will find different ecosystems such as Andean forest, subparamo and paramo. It is recommended that you have warm clothes, gloves, hat and shoes. You will probably be surprised by the rain, so wear a raincoat and change clothes and shoes.

Attractions in the Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary

In the Sanctuary of Flora and Fauna of Iguaque you will find, as its name says, diversity of flora and fauna, marvelous landscapes, mountains that guard all the natural wealth and the stories that developed there in ancestral times.

The Sanctuary has an extension of 6.750 hectares, one of the biggest attractions of the Sanctuary is the Iguaque Lagoon, the walk until there takes around three hours of ascent, it is a route a little difficult for the change of height, if it begins to feel bad, do not lose the calm, rest while your body adapts to the height. On the Sanctuary walk you will see many species of animals such as squirrels, armadillos, bats, foxes and deer. Regarding the flora species, the most important species is the Frailejón, you will also find seven hides, oaks, pines, encenillo, mosses, orchids and ferns.

In this Sanctuary there are different water currents and lagoons, without a doubt, it is a place with great environmental importance, therefore, in your visit to the Sanctuary, do not pollute, collect your garbage and deposit it outside the park, do not make bonfires and respect each species of flora and fauna that you find in the place.

Gastronomy at the Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary

In the facilities of the Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, a restaurant has been conditioned in which the visitor must request the lunch service before to start the trip in the Iguaque Sanctuary, since only the requested dishes are cooked there. However, it is advisable to have provisions, such as canned and high calorie foods. If you are going to spend the night in the Sanctuary, you must bring your food because you will not find any restaurant services or shops there at night.

Camping and hotel service at the Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary

The Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary has set up a hotel where you will be able to spend the night, you must request lodging in advance.

On the other hand, you can also spend the night under the stars in the camping areas that the place has for visitors. Remember to take your complete camping equipment, tent and sleeping tent and a warm blanket because at night it is usually very cold and it is not allowed to make bonfires for safety.

Cost

Admission to the Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary has the following costs: (Information taken May 2019 from www.parquesnacionales.gov.co)

  • National or foreigner residing in Colombia between the ages of 5 and 25: 12.500 colombian pesos
  • National or foreigner resident in Colombia over 25 years old: 18.500 colombian pesos
  • Non-resident foreigner in Colombia: 52.500 colombian pesos