Bojaca: Rock Art, Dry Forest, and a Sanctuary

For a trip to Bojaca, two distinct themes can serve as points of reference: the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Salud de Bojacá and the Piedras de Chivo Negro Archaeological and Ecotourism Park. The image of Nuestra Señora de la Salud de Bojacá belongs to the sanctuary; in the park, rock formations with rock art sit alongside an area of dry forest. This gives you a choice between a religious landmark and an archaeological and landscape-focused theme when planning your trip.

Rock Art and Dry Forest in the Park

The park includes rock formations with 16 rocks containing rock art that have been fully inventoried. This figure refers to rocks, not individual motifs. This distinction gives the inventory a clear unit of measurement and helps you interpret the figure correctly. For travelers interested in archaeological sites, the specific point of interest is the rock formations and the rock art documented there.

The park area also includes dry forest. This brings two different aspects together: the rock art is associated with the inventoried rocks, while the dry forest defines the landscape. Travelers who prefer to consider culture and nature separately can look at the park from both perspectives. Its designation as an archaeological and ecotourism park reflects this breadth of themes. Travelers interested in either rock art or landscapes will find a specific focus to explore.

The Sanctuary and Its Image

The Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Salud de Bojacá, also known as “Roma Chiquita,” is located in the municipality of Bojacá. The image of Nuestra Señora de la Salud de Bojacá is located in the temple’s left nave. The nickname refers to the sanctuary; the detail about the left nave indicates where the image is located within the temple. These are two distinct points of cultural reference: the name of the sanctuary and the precise location of the image.

Comparing the two themes helps answer a simple planning question: Which one would you like to make a bigger part of your trip? At the sanctuary, the image and the church interior take center stage; at the park, the focus is on rock art and dry forest. These different themes give you specific points of interest to help organize your interests and understand Bojaca as a travel destination.

Historical Context for the Park Announcement

A historical announcement is also relevant to the park. On July 27, 2024, the municipal administration of Bojacá, with approval from the Consejo Municipal para la Gestión del Riesgo y Desastres (CMGRD), announced that the park would reopen as of that date. The reopening included new rules to protect and preserve the park. If you are planning a visit, check current access arrangements in advance; the announcement dates from July 2024.

Discover more destinations: Sasaima, Cachipay, La Vega, Pantano Redondo, Las Ceibas, Hato Viejo, Ricaurte, Suesca.

For the regional travel overview: Cundinamarca.