THE IGUAQUE SANCTUARY

Iguaque is a small forest area in the páramo of one of the areas of the eastern Andes most intervened by man, The nearest towns are Tunja, Villa de Leyva and Arcabuco (all in the Department of Boyacá). The springs that supply most of the water for those towns come from those forests.

The Lake of Iguaque is sacred and according to the Muisca legends, is the source of human life. The goddess Bachue, mother of the Muiscas, rose from its waters. A pilgrimage to Iguaque is still believed to cleanse the soul and purify the spirit.

The Sanctuary covers 16,700 acres, at altitudes of 8,000-12,000 ft. Its water sources supply local communities in Sachica, San Pedro de Iguaque, Santa Sofia, Gachantivá and Arcabuco. High up you can see Morro Negro from Villa de Leyva, more than 10,000ft above sea level, and a little below it to the west is the Esterilla.

CLIMATE: COLD

TEMPERATURE: 4-12°C

PLACES OF INTEREST: San Pedro de Iguaque, Mamá Ramos, archaeological area with rock paintings. Lake Iguaque (a 3-hour walk). There are oak forests and some small lakes, including Monte Empedrada, Colorada, Carrizal, Cazadero and Ojo de Agua.

ADMISSION:

Visitors from abroad $20,000
US$7.70
Local visitors $6,400 US$2.46
Children aged 5-12, Students, senior citizens $3,200 US$1.23

ACCOMMODATION

Furachiougua ( the Muisca for “good woman”). Sleeps 6-8.
Per person per night $26,200 US$10.23

CAMPING AREA: Take full camping equipment. If you don´t want to cook….. use the restaurant.

Tent space: $5,300 US$2.00

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

http://www.parquesnacionales.gov.co/areas/lasareas
/iguaque/iguaintro.htm

e-mail: norandin@col1.telecom.com.co