At the beginning of the 19th century, Simon Bolivar, known as the Liberator, embarked on an epic journey that would forever change the destiny of Colombia and much of the continent. His heroic deed was not only fought on battlefields but also along the steep climbs of mountain ranges, moorlands, and villages that still preserve the living memory of his passage. Today, you can follow in the footsteps of the liberator by taking the road, excellently well preserved, that he himself used to liberate Colombia more than 200 years ago.
The Libertador Route: Simon Bolivar’s journey through Boyaca, Colombia
The so-called Route of the Liberator begins in the present-day department of Arauca, in eastern Colombia, and stretches all the way to the Puente de Boyaca (Boyaca Bridge) near Tunja, the symbolic site where the final battle was fought on Aug. 7, 1819. This journey was not only a military campaign but also a deeply human one: a weary army crossing jungles, rivers, and paramos, driven by the dream of liberty.
After leaving the eastern plains behind, Bolivar and his troops entered the department of Boyaca through the municipality of Pisba, after crossing the dreaded Paramo de Pisba, one of the most difficult stages of the campaign. The extreme cold, high altitude, and lack of supplies claimed the lives of many soldiers, but also forged the resilience that would lead them to victory.
From Pisba, the army continued through Socha, a key municipality where the local people provided support with clothing, food, and shelter. There, Bolivar reorganized his troops and prepared them for the final offensive. They then passed through Tasco and Socota, receiving help from peasants and artisans who, with simplicity and generosity, strengthened the patriot cause.
@karlavalentinaoficial Páramo de Pisba en #Boyacá – Laguna del Soldado #paramos #paramo #pisba #Boyacá #laguna #frailejonernestoperez #vida #fypシ゚ #paraiso ♬ Coqueta – Heredero
The route moved forward through Mongui, famous for its artisanal tradition and striking colonial architecture, and later through Sogamoso, a city considered sacred by the Muisca people and strategically important due to its location.
@andona.col Monguí, Boyacá 🇨🇴 . Un pueblo andino en el que sus casas antiguas junto a sus calles empedradas hablan del pasado indígena y de la historia en la época de la Colonia. . ¡Recuerda compartir para qué más personas conozcan estos lugares! ✨ . . #monguiboyaca #boyacacolombia ♬ Flowers – Miley Cyrus
In Topaga and Nobsa, the liberators were welcomed with enthusiasm; the locals offered mules, provisions, and willing hands to help. In Paipa, Bolivar rested briefly before setting out on the decisive leg toward Tunja.
@eljornalero1 topaga Boyacá 🇨🇴
The triumphant entry into Tunja on Aug. 5, 1819, marked a turning point. From the Boyaca capital, Bolivar prepared the final offensive against the royalist troops stationed in Villa de Leyva and Samaca. The march culminated in the iconic Battle of the Boyaca Bridge, which sealed the independence of Nueva Granada (modern-day Colombia).
To travel along the Route of the Liberator today through the municipalities of Boyaca is more than retracing the steps of an army; it is reconnecting with the spirit of a people who, with courage and solidarity, became the protagonists of their own history. Monuments, museums, commemorative plaques, and oral traditions keep the memory of that journey alive.
In addition to its historical value, this route holds great potential for tourism and education. Many of these towns have preserved their colonial charm, centuries-old churches, and ancestral culture. Local initiatives are working to strengthen historical and cultural tourism, connecting new generations to a past that continues to inspire struggles for justice, freedom, and dignity.