Boyaca is considered the potato heartland of Colombia, as its cold and fertile highlands allow the cultivation of more than 40 varieties of this tuber, which is an essential part of the country’s diet. Towns such as Ventaquemada, Tuta, Siachoque, and Tunja stand out as major producers, and potatoes have become not only an economic engine but also a cultural identity symbol for the farming communities of the region.
In this context, in the town of Ventaquemada lies the Biomuseum of the Native Potato, a unique space dedicated to preserving and sharing the historical, cultural, and heritage value of potato diversity within the rural world. This museum pays tribute to biodiversity, ancestral agricultural culture, and the legacy of those who have long been guardians of the land, making it one of Boyaca’s most remarkable tourist attractions.
What can you find at the Biomuseum of the Native Potato in Boyaca?
The biomuseum is located in the rural area of Montoya, just a few kilometers from Bogota, making it an accessible destination for both national and international travelers. Visitors can learn firsthand about the importance of potato cultivation, walk through the fields, and discover more than 40 native varieties many of them endangered that amaze with their vibrant colors, shapes, and textures.
Among the main experiences the biomuseum offers are:
Guided tours by farmers: the guardians of the native potato lead visitors through the crops, sharing stories, ancestral knowledge, and curiosities about each variety.
Symbolic potato planting: an activity where each visitor can plant their own native potato as a symbolic act of connection with the land and biodiversity.
Traditional cooking workshops: hands-on sessions where guests learn how to prepare authentic recipes with potatoes of different colors, shapes, and flavors. The experience includes the “Potato Dance,” a culinary ritual full of tradition.
Circle of the Word in the Maloka: a gathering space to talk with local knowledge keepers, exchange experiences, and reflect on the cultural significance of the potato in rural life.
Exploration of edible and aromatic gardens: a sensory journey to touch, smell, and taste plants that are part of the Andean agricultural ecosystem.
Activities for children: educational games, farmer tales, and sensory dynamics that make learning about potatoes and rural life fun.
Exhibition of traditional tools and objects: visitors can see and even use traditional farming tools that show how agricultural work has evolved over the years.
Some native potato varieties found in the Biomuseum
Although many of these varieties are not sold on a large scale, they are highly valued for their flavor, resilience, and cultural symbolism. Some of the most notable are:
Yema de Huevo Potato: with an intense yellow color, creamy texture, and a staple in traditional cooking.
Purple Criolla Potato: with purple skin and yellow flesh, ideal for soups and stews.
Cacho de Venado Potato: elongated and curved, known for its resistance to diseases.
Andean Purple Potato: rich in antioxidants, with a deep violet color that stands out on the plate.
Runa Negra Potato: dark-skinned with an earthy flavor, traditionally cultivated by Indigenous communities.
Red Pearl Potato: small, shiny, and red-skinned, often used in gourmet dishes.
Ojo de Perdiz Potato: reddish-spotted skin and a smooth texture, highly appreciated in cooking.
Biomuseum entry fees
The biomuseum offers two types of visits:
36,000 COP (≈ 9 USD): includes a guided tour, a snack made with native potatoes, a traditional drink or natural juice, and participation in the “Native Potato Dance.”
60,000 COP (≈ 15 USD): full experience, which also includes access to El Gaque farm, natural water mirrors, edible gardens, circular crops, the museum’s four exhibition halls, and a local guide.
The Biomuseum of the Native Potato in Boyaca is more than just a place to learn about agriculture—it is a cultural journey that connects visitors with the roots of Colombian rural life and with a legacy that strives to endure in times of food standardization.