LAKE TOTA, Monguí and the Ocetá páramo

In the east of Boyacá, Lake Tota sits at about 3,000 metres and is Colombia's largest natural lake. Nearby, the colonial village of Monguí is the starting point for the Ocetá páramo, a high Andean moorland of frailejones, lagoons and rock formations. Together they make one of the most complete Andean journeys in Colombia.

Lake Tota

Surrounded by green hills and onion fields, Lake Tota is the heart of the Sugamuxi province. A day on the lake can include a boat ride to one of its islands, a walk on Playa Blanca, a beach of pale sand at high altitude, and lunch with fresh trout from local fish farms. Mornings are usually the clearest time of the day.

Monguí, a heritage village

Monguí is a member of Colombia's network of heritage towns. Its stone basilica, its colonial bridge and its cobbled streets are best explored on foot. The village is also known for an unusual craft: footballs stitched by hand in family workshops, a tradition you can see up close.

The Ocetá páramo hike

From Monguí, a full-day hike climbs into the Ocetá páramo, among forests of frailejones, lagoons and stone formations above 3,800 metres. It is a demanding walk at altitude, done with a local guide, on marked trails and in small groups to protect this fragile ecosystem, which stores water for the region.

Flavours of the high Andes

The cuisine of this part of Boyacá uses native Andean tubers such as cubios and ibias, local cheeses and trout from the lake. Many of the ingredients come from family farms in the area.

How many days and when to go

Plan at least two days and one night for Monguí and Lake Tota, and add one more day for the Ocetá hike. The drier months are usually December to March and July to August. Nights are cold at this altitude, so bring warm layers and a rain jacket all year.

Getting there

The region is about four to five hours by road from Bogotá and around three hours from Villa de Leyva. We organise private transfers so you can combine it with Villa de Leyva in a Boyacá route of five to seven days.