In the heart of Boyaca, surrounded by Andean mountains, artisan towns, and rural roads, lies one of Colombia’s most unique and lesser-known tourist destinations: the Desierto de La Candelaria. Located near the Raquira, this arid landscape stands out for its ochre-colored scenery, striking rock formations, and the dramatic contrast it creates against the region’s typically green surroundings.
Unlike vast sand deserts, La Candelaria is characterized by a dry ecosystem filled with canyons, cacti, and mountain trails that have made it an ideal destination for travelers seeking nature experiences, cultural tourism, and tranquility.
The desert is located approximately seven kilometers from Raquira and around 32 kilometers from Villa de Leyva, two of Boyaca’s most visited tourist towns. From Bogotá, the journey takes about three and a half hours by road following the route Bogotá – Tunja – Villa de Leyva – Raquira.
Although visitors can arrive by private vehicle, local tour operators recommend hiring guides or organized tours since part of the access route crosses rural roads and secondary trails. Many travelers also take advantage of the trip to combine multiple experiences throughout the region.
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The monastery of La Candelaria and the desert’s must-see experiences in Boyaca, Colombia
One of the area’s main attractions is the historic Monasterio de La Candelaria, considered the first convent of Augustinian Recollect monks in the Americas. Founded in 1604, the religious complex preserves colonial architecture, interior gardens, and historical spaces that allow visitors to explore part of Boyacá’s spiritual and cultural legacy.
The monastery also houses a religious museum and has become an important landmark for travelers interested in Colombian colonial history. Its location, surrounded by dry mountains and rocky landscapes, creates one of the most photographed scenes in the region.
Beyond its historical appeal, the Desierto de La Candelaria offers several outdoor and adventure activities. Ecological hikes are among the most popular experiences thanks to trails that cross rock formations and small mountains shaped by wind and erosion over centuries.
Horseback riding tours are another frequent activity, allowing visitors to explore canyons and elevated areas of the desert while enjoying panoramic views of the Boyaca countryside. Some local operators also organize nighttime excursions and astronomical observation experiences due to the area’s low levels of light pollution.
Among the most intriguing attractions is the so-called Patio de las Brujas, a solar observation site associated with Muisca symbols and ancestral legends that continues to attract visitors interested in mysticism and indigenous traditions.
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Raquira, Villa de Leyva, and nearby attractions worth exploring
The strategic location of the Desierto de La Candelaria makes it easy to combine with other iconic destinations in Boyaca. Nearby, Raquira is widely recognized as Colombia’s “town of potters” because of its long-standing pottery and ceramic traditions. Its colorful streets are lined with artisan workshops, handicraft stores, and traditional restaurants.
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A short distance away is Villa de Leyva, one of Colombia’s most famous colonial towns, known for its Plaza Mayor, museums, cobblestone streets, and natural attractions such as the Pozos Azules.
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Travelers interested in ecotourism can also visit the Santuario de Fauna y Flora Iguaque, a protected natural reserve featuring mountain trails and sacred lagoons connected to Muisca cosmology.
Thanks to its combination of history, culture, adventure, and unique landscapes, the Desierto de La Candelaria continues to gain recognition as one of Boyaca’s most distinctive travel experiences and a destination that offers a different perspective on Colombia’s natural diversity.