Discover Chiquinquirá

Chiquinquirá brings together religious heritage, urban history and parks. The city lies at an elevation of about 2,560 metres above sea level in the valley of the Río Suárez; Andean mountains, fertile valleys and natural landscapes characterize the surrounding area. In the Department of Boyacá, Chiquinquirá is one of the most significant spiritual, historical and cultural destinations. If you are planning a stay, you will find a range of themes to explore during your time here: from religious sites and reminders of the city’s history to walks and handicrafts.

Religious heritage and well-known sights

The Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Chiquinquirá is located on the northwest side of Plaza de la Libertad. At the main altar is the image of Nuestra Señora del Rosario Virgen de Chiquinquirá, Queen and Patron Saint of Colombia. Its location on the plaza gives you a clear point of reference as you explore this religious heritage.

The Iglesia de la Renovación is also associated with a religious tradition: it was built on the site where the miracle of renewal is said to have taken place. The church contains an underground well visited by pilgrims. The Templo de la Renovación is also among the city’s significant tourist attractions. The historic Puente de la Balsa and Parque Forestal Juan Pablo II are also listed among the sights; they add a historic structure and a park to the picture.

Another distinctive landmark is the Monumento a la Guabina Chiquinquireña. Ornamental plants surround the monument, which is illuminated at night. Together with the religious sites, it shows how different cultural connections have found a place in the cityscape.

Urban history and cultural traditions

The former railway station tells a story of changing uses. After railway operations ended in mid-1975, the building was abandoned and no longer used. It was restored for Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1986; afterward, it initially remained unoccupied and unused before being converted into the Palacio de la Cultura Rómulo Rozo. Today, the former station building houses this cultural palace, which is dedicated to the sculptor Rómulo Rozo, who was born in Chiquinquirá. The station can therefore also be viewed as part of the city’s history, without conflating its former and present uses.

Chiquinquirá is also known as “Atenas Boyacense” (the Athens of Boyacá). The nickname refers to the prominent writers, sculptors and poets who come from the city. Local handicrafts include wood carving and the making of musical instruments. Scapulars and religious objects are also part of the city’s cultural identity; they are particularly associated with the arrival of pilgrims at the Marian sanctuary. These traditions offer another way to experience the city’s culture, alongside its churches and historic sites.

Parks and walks

The parks offer different ways to enjoy a walk. In Parque Julio Flórez, you can take in historic monuments and the buildings around the park. Ecological walks are the focus at Parque Juan Pablo Segundo. It lies east of Chiquinquirá at the foot of Cerro Terebinto. The two parks therefore offer different emphases: walks in Parque Julio Flórez focus on monuments and the surrounding architecture, while those in Parque Juan Pablo Segundo center on ecological exploration.

The historic Puente de la Balsa adds another significant landmark to this selection. Parque Forestal Juan Pablo II, Parque Julio Flórez and Parque Juan Pablo Segundo also bring together several park-related attractions in the city and its described surroundings. Pay attention to the names and themes of each when making your selection: this will help you keep religious sights, history and walks in view as distinct highlights.

Chiquinquirá as a destination

The city’s location in the valley of the Río Suárez and the surrounding Andean landscape form the geographical setting for its cultural and religious sites. Together, these features make it a destination that is not limited to a single building or theme. You can plan your stay around the places that interest you most: the basilica and religious traditions, the history of the former railway station, handicrafts or walks in the parks.

Discover more destinations: Gachantiva, Ramiriquí, Chivor, Jericó, Mongui, Duitama, Zetaquira, Firavitoba.

For the broader travel guide: Boyacá.