MY TRAVEL EXPERIENCE

Why visit the Vargas Pantano?

 Besides being a place steeped in history it’s also a haven of peace, harmony, and tranquility, perfect for escaping the daily grind. The Vargas Pantano is located in the municipality of Paipa (Boyacá), approximately 20 minutes from the town center. It holds national significance because it was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the war of Independence, where patriots and royalists fought for the independence of what was then New Granada. In honor of this battle the monument to the 14 lancers was built a spectacular structure featuring sculptures of the 14 brave plainsmen who fought on July 25 1819. This story has many more chapters to tell and this is a place you simply must visit.

WHERE TO GO

The Vargas Pantano  boasts a variety of places to visit such as:

-          Juan Vargas House Museum: Here you can find a wide variety of artifacts from the era. This house also tells its own story, as it was the home of Juan Vargas's family one of the most prominent families of that time. Guides are available to lead tours of the house recounting and explaining what happened there.

The Hollow Stone: This is an emblematic site, as Simon Bolívar took refuge there to observe the battle. This naturally formed stone is where Simon Bolívar invoked the Virgin of the Rosary. From this spot you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Vargas Pantano. and monument to the 14 Lancers

It is a structure created  by the master Rodrigo Arenas Betancourt, measuring 100 meters long and 30 meters wide, making it one of the largest monuments in all of Latin America. It is made up of sculptures of 14 lancers and their horses who were the heroes in this battle.

WHAT TO DO

In this place you can enjoy various activities such as:

- Ecological hikes

- Mountain biking

- Browsing handicrafts and enjoying the variety of items offered

- Savoring typical cuisine such as panela water with cheese, almojábanas, and cocido boyacense .Among many more

 It also features different activities on special dates such as:

 Holy Week: where a wide variety of eucharistic celebrations are held as well as the stations of the cross on good Friday, a journey filled with hope, beautiful landscapes, and great faith.

The commemoration of the battle: every year a celebration is held with the military forces (July 25th), and the departmental band competition takes place in August, an event that brings together people from all over the department of Boyacá.

 

TRAVEL TIPS

There's a wide variety of hotels here, so if you're planning to stay book in advance. Take your time to enjoy every place and every story, and remember have to leave this place in the same condition you found it: clean and tidy.