Things To Do
in Tunja
Tunja is the historic capital of Boyacá, perched high on the Andean plateau and known for well-preserved colonial architecture and a lively university atmosphere. Its compact stone-paved historic center centers around Plaza de Bolívar and the imposing Catedral Basílica, giving visitors a strong sense of Colombian history and regional identity. The city sits at high altitude (about 2,820 m / 9,250 ft), which makes the air cool year-round and the surrounding páramo ecosystems dramatic and accessible.
Tunja is a convenient base for exploring nearby natural reserves, historic battle sites such as Puente de Boyacá, and traditional Boyacense cuisine and crafts.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the impressive Catedral Basílica Metropolitana Metropolitana, where you can admire its stunning architecture and historical significance. Wander through the charming Plaza de Bolívar, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and local vendors. Don’t forget to grab a traditional breakfast of 'arepas' or 'bandeja paisa' at a nearby café to fuel your exploration.
After lunch, take a guided tour of Puente de Boyacá, the historic bridge where a crucial battle for Colombian independence took place. Immerse yourself in the beautiful landscape as you learn about the significance of this site and appreciate the monuments that commemorate the heroes of the past. As the afternoon sun sets, stroll through the nearby village of Nobsa, known for its handicrafts and traditional weaving.
In the evening, treat yourself to a delightful dinner at a local restaurant specializing in Colombian cuisine, where you can sample dishes like 'ajiaco' or 'sancocho'. After your meal, take a leisurely walk around the illuminated historic center, soaking in the ambiance of the city at night. Conclude your day with a visit to a local bar to enjoy some Colombian coffee or a refreshing cocktail.
Begin your day with a visit to the Casa de la Cultura, where you can explore art exhibitions and learn about the local artists of Tunja. Participate in a morning workshop that showcases traditional Colombian crafts, providing you with hands-on experience. Enjoy a light snack from the café while soaking up the creative ambiance of this cultural hub.
After lunch, take a guided tour of the nearby Museo de Arte de Tunja, which houses a diverse collection of regional art and artifacts. Engage with local artists who often showcase their work and share their stories, enriching your understanding of the area's creative spirit. Spend some time in the museum's garden, reflecting on the art and history you’ve encountered.
In the evening, catch a local dance performance or live music event at Casa de la Cultura, showcasing the vibrant traditions of Colombian folklore. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as you mingle with locals and fellow travelers, sharing experiences and stories. Wind down with a warm cup of hot chocolate, a favorite local treat, before heading back to your accommodation.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee in a café | $1.50-3 |
| 🚖Short taxi ride (within city) | $1.50-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-60 |
| 🎟️Museum or entrance fee / guided tour | $2-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich colonial history and well-preserved architecture within a compact city center
- Gateway to páramo ecosystems and nearby natural and historical sites
- Affordable food and accommodation with a lively student culture
- High altitude can affect sensitive travelers (shortness of breath, headaches)
- Limited nightlife and fewer international amenities compared with larger Colombian cities
- Intermittent rain and muddy trails during the wet seasons can disrupt outdoor plans
- "Buenos días / Buenas tardes" - Good morning / Good afternoon
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Muchas gracias" - Thank you very much
- "Disculpe / Perdón" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Necesito un médico / emergencia" - I need a doctor / emergency
Places to Visit in Tunja
Visit one of these nice places.
Architectural details, grand façades and lively city scenes make the main plaza a must for daytime and early-evening photos.
Narrow cobbled lanes, colorful doors and balconies provide classic colonial-era compositions, especially in soft morning light.
Historic independence site with a monument, open landscapes and dramatic skies — excellent for wide-angle shots and sunrise visits.
Páramo landscapes, frailejones and moorland panoramas offer unique high-altitude nature photography, best in clear weather.
Food in Tunja
Tunja Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A thick, hearty soup made with corn, potatoes, peas, pork or beef and sometimes meats like beef ribs — a regional favorite, found in traditional restaurants and market stalls.
Must-Try!
A warming wheat-based soup often prepared with pork or chicken and vegetables; commonly eaten for breakfast or lunch in Boyacá.
Cheesy baked goods (almojábanas) and various arepas — try the local arepa de maíz pelado at bakeries and street stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The best place to sample fresh produce, local cheeses, sopas and quick eats; ideal for breakfast soups, baked goods, empanadas and to feel local life.
Find quick snacks such as empanadas, buñuelos and hot beverages like chocolate caliente or aguapanela with cheese — great for a low-cost taste of regional flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use polite greetings (buenos días/tardes) and the formal 'usted' with older people or in formal situations; a single cheek kiss or handshake is common when meeting locals.
Dress modestly and act respectfully in churches and around religious events; photography may be restricted inside some sanctuaries.
Locals are friendly and often hospitable—accept small offers of food or conversation and return politeness; avoid loud or confrontational behavior in public.
Safety
Tipping in Tunja
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; in restaurants a service charge (propina) may be included — if not, 5–10% is customary for good service. Tip small amounts to taxi drivers for help with luggage or round up the fare.
Colombian pesos (COP) are standard. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and shops; carry cash for markets, street food and small vendors. ATMs are common in Tunja but carry some cash in rural areas and for small purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
One of the drier periods with more sunshine and clearer skies — good for hiking and photography; temperatures remain cool, especially evenings.
Expect frequent afternoon showers and muddy trails in surrounding páramos; pack waterproof layers and allow flexibility for outdoor plans.
Generally mild with alternation of sun and showers; popular for travelers from Bogotá seeking cooler weather and outdoor activities.
Tunja at Night
Hiking in Tunja
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A protected páramo area offering day hikes to lagoons, frailejones and highland ecosystems; trails range from moderate to challenging and provide scenic views.
Renowned for dramatic páramo scenery and biodiversity, Ocetá offers hikes with unique plant life and sweeping landscapes; travel time varies but is accessible from Tunja as a day trip or overnight.
Shorter walks and rural paths around the historic bridge area combine cultural history with manageable countryside hikes and panoramas.
Airports
How to reach Tunja by plane.
The largest international gateway serving Tunja; about 2.5–3.5 hours by road depending on traffic. Many travelers fly into Bogotá and then take bus, private transfer or rent a car to Tunja.
A regional airport roughly 2.5–3 hours north of Tunja by road; useful when coming from the Santander region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population are university students attending institutions such as UPTC, contributing to a vibrant cultural scene and affordable services.
The majority of residents identify as mestizo or of mixed European and Indigenous descent, with many families preserving regional customs and culinary traditions.
The area is historically Muisca territory; indigenous heritage influences local place names, traditions and some handicrafts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport — local clubs and informal matches are common, and big national matches draw attention.
Road cycling and mountain biking are very popular due to the challenging Andean terrain; Boyacá is famous in Colombia for producing elite cyclists.
Traditional Colombian games such as tejo and regional festivities remain part of local recreational culture, especially in rural towns.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tunja.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited in traditional restaurants; ask for soups without meat and seek out cafés, bakeries and market stalls for cheese-based dishes, arepas and vegetable sides.
Vegan and strict gluten-free options are growing but still not widespread — major hotels and some modern cafés can accommodate requests, and markets offer fruits and vegetables; communication in Spanish will help secure suitable meals.