Things To Do
in Puerto Boyacá
Puerto Boyacá is a riverside town on the Magdalena River in the western part of Boyacá department, historically shaped by river commerce and the oil industry. The town offers a warm, humid climate, lively riverfront life, and a mix of campesino and Afro-Colombian cultural influences. Visitors will find colorful markets, a relaxed pace of life, and opportunities for boat trips and birdwatching along the river.
While modest in tourist infrastructure, Puerto Boyacá is an authentic slice of Colombia’s river economy and culture and a good base for exploring nearby rural landscapes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Colombian arepas and fresh coffee. Afterward, stroll through the streets of Puerto Boyacá, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant murals that tell the story of this historic town. Visit the main square, Plaza de los Libertadores, where you can take in the sights and sounds of the local life.
In the afternoon, venture to the nearby Museum of the River, where you can discover the rich history and culture of the region through fascinating exhibits. After immersing yourself in the local heritage, enjoy a traditional lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling local delicacies such as bandeja paisa. Post-lunch, take a guided tour of the nearby historic churches, appreciating their architectural beauty and significance.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a local eatery to enjoy dinner featuring fresh fish from the Magdalena River. Engage with locals and listen to traditional music that fills the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. End your day with a leisurely walk along the riverbank, where you can enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature.
Kickstart your adventure with a hearty breakfast, then head to the Magdalena River for a morning of kayaking or canoeing. As you paddle through the serene waters, take in the lush landscapes and diverse wildlife that inhabit the riverbanks. This peaceful setting is perfect for spotting various bird species and enjoying the tranquility of nature.
After your morning on the water, enjoy a picnic lunch by the river, where you can savor local snacks while soaking up the sun. In the afternoon, embark on a guided fishing expedition, where you can learn about traditional fishing techniques and try your hand at catching local fish. The experience is both exciting and educational, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of local fishermen.
Return to Puerto Boyacá and unwind with a casual dinner at a riverside restaurant, enjoying the fresh catch of the day. As night falls, participate in a local cultural event or festival, where you can experience traditional dances and music. This vibrant atmosphere will leave you with lasting memories of the community spirit.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| 🍺Local beer (bottle) | $1-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi/moto-taxi ride | $1-4 |
| 🏨Budget hotel / simple guesthouse (per night) | $20-50 |
| 🛍️Market groceries / fruit | $2-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic riverside Colombian culture and everyday life
- Good opportunities for river-based photography, birdwatching and fishing
- Affordable prices and simple, hearty local food
- Close contact with rural communities and traditional livelihoods
- Limited tourist infrastructure and English-speaking services
- Hot, humid climate with pronounced rainy seasons that can disrupt plans
- Safety concerns in some areas—necessitates caution and local guidance
- Fewer formal attractions compared with better-known tourist destinations
- "Hola, buen día" - Hello, good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The bill, please
- "¿Dónde queda el muelle?" - Where is the dock/port?
- "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?
- "¡Muchas gracias!" - Thank you very much!
Places to Visit in Puerto Boyacá
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide river vistas, local boats, fishermen and dramatic skies make great shots—capture activity on the water and riverside reflections.
Colorful everyday scenes, colonial-style architecture and community life provide candid street photography opportunities.
Vibrant produce, vendors, and textures that show the region’s food culture—best photographed in the morning when stalls are busiest.
Industrial riverside scenes create contrasting images of modern industry and traditional river life—photograph from safe, public vantage points.
Small river settlements and boats provide authentic portraits of daily life; ask permission before photographing people.
Food in Puerto Boyacá
Puerto Boyacá Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh-fried river fish served with crushed fried plantain (patacones) and rice; widely available at riverside eateries.
Must-Try!
A comforting fish soup with yucca and plantain, perfect for sampling in local restaurants or market stalls.
Coconut rice is often offered alongside fish and fried plantains—flavorful and filling.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market selling fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and small food stalls where you can try arepas, empanadas and freshly squeezed fruit juices.
Small stands near the riverfront serve fried fish, grilled meats and beers—ideal for a casual meal with river views.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings are important—use handshake for first meetings, and a light hug or cheek kiss for friends. Start interactions with 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes.'
Show deference to older people, be friendly and patient, and accept invitations to share food or conversation when offered.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in villages and places of worship; many locals appreciate being asked first.
Dress modestly for church visits and in conservative neighborhoods; public displays of anger or loud confrontation are frowned upon.
Safety
Tipping in Puerto Boyacá
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected; in restaurants a 10% service charge may be added—if not, leaving 5–10% for good service is customary. For local guides and boat operators, small cash tips are common.
Cash (Colombian peso) is the primary method—smaller businesses may not accept cards. ATMs are available but limited; carry sufficient cash for rural excursions. Credit/debit cards are accepted at some hotels and larger restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hotter and sunnier days with lower river levels—good for boat trips and walking the riverbank; bring sun protection and light clothing.
Afternoon and evening showers become more frequent; rivers begin to swell in places—plan outdoor activities for mornings and check boat schedules.
Another period of increased rainfall and higher humidity; expect muddy rural roads and possible transport delays—waterproof gear recommended.
Variable weather with warm days and occasional storms; this period can be pleasant with lush green landscapes and active birdlife.
Puerto Boyacá at Night
Hiking in Puerto Boyacá
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short local trails along the Magdalena River that provide easy walks, birdwatching and viewpoints of river activity—suitable for half-day outings.
Unpaved country roads and farm tracks that let you explore nearby villages, plantations and small hills—best with a local guide or on a bike/motorbike.
For longer, more challenging hikes and cooler landscapes, plan day trips toward the Boyacá highlands (depart early and expect a multi-hour drive); these areas offer markedly different scenery and established trails.
Airports
How to reach Puerto Boyacá by plane.
Major international hub serving the region; travel to Puerto Boyacá by road takes several hours (typically 4–6 hours depending on route and traffic).
Regional international airport serving Bucaramanga; driving time to Puerto Boyacá is generally shorter than from Bogotá but still several hours—useful for regional connections.
Smaller local airports or airstrips in nearby towns may offer limited or charter flights; confirm schedules in advance and expect ground transfers to reach Puerto Boyacá.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of residents are of mixed indigenous and European descent and live in rural farming communities around the town.
Afro-Colombian families and communities contribute to the town’s culture, especially along the river and in fishing traditions.
Some indigenous heritage and communities exist in the broader region, though not always concentrated within the town itself.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport nationwide—local pickup games and neighborhood leagues are common and a central part of community life.
Fishing in the Magdalena River is popular both as a livelihood and pastime; visitors can often arrange guided or local fishing experiences.
Motorcycles and moto-taxis are widely used for transport and local off-road exploration; riding is a common local activity.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Puerto Boyacá.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited; ask for vegetable stews, rice and plantain dishes. Markets offer fruit and salads—bring flexibility and ask vendors to omit meat or fish.
Vegan and gluten-free choices are less common; carry snacks and be prepared to explain restrictions in Spanish. Simple dishes like boiled yucca, plantains and fresh fruit are safe options.
Stick to freshly cooked food, avoid untreated river water, and prefer busy stalls—use bottled water for drinking.