Ubaqué

A peaceful mountain village in the eastern Andes known for its artisan pottery tradition and pristine natural surroundings. It serves as a gateway to Monserrate hikes and offers cultural immersion in traditional Colombian highland life.

Things to do

• Pottery Studio Visits — Tour working ceramic studios in the village center where artisans create traditional handmade pottery using centuries-old techniques passed down through generations.
• Monserrate Trail Hike — Trek the mountain path leading to the Monserrate sanctuary, a white basilica perched on a neighboring peak offering panoramic views of the Bogotá savanna and surrounding highlands.
• Río Ubaqué Swimming — Cool off in the clear mountain river that flows through the valley, particularly in natural pools formed between rock formations ideal for bathing.
• Local Market Exploration — Visit the village market on weekends to purchase handcrafted pottery, fresh local produce, and interact with campesino vendors selling traditional highland goods.
• Páramo Ecosystem Trek — Hike into the high-altitude páramo grasslands above the village where unique flora adapted to cool mountain conditions and rare wildlife thrive.
• Casa del Artesano — Visit the artisan cooperative center where you can watch pottery demonstrations, purchase directly from makers, and learn about the ceramic heritage of Ubaqué.

Food to try

• Ajiaco Cundiboyacense — A hearty local potato and chicken soup thickened with three varieties of potatoes unique to the Cundinamarca region, served with corn, avocado, and cream.
• Trucha Fresca — Fresh mountain trout caught from local streams and rivers, typically grilled simply with lemon and served with patacones and rice.
• Arepa de Queso — Warm corn arepas stuffed with melted local cheese, a breakfast staple eaten fresh from village bakeries in the early morning.
• Mazorca Asada — Charred corn on the cob roasted over an open fire, often sold by street vendors near the village center and served with local cheese and salt.
• Chicha de Maíz — A traditional sweet corn beverage made from fermented maize, prepared according to ancestral highland recipes and served at local fiestas and celebrations.

Local customs & good to know

• Pottery Purchase Etiquette — Buying directly from artisans in their studios is preferred over shops, as it ensures fair payment reaches the makers and allows meaningful conversation about their craft.
• Festival Timing — Plan visits around religious holidays and patron saint celebrations when the village hosts processions, market fairs, and traditional music performances.
• Mountain Weather Preparedness — Always carry a rain jacket and warm layer even on sunny days, as afternoon mountain rains are frequent and temperatures drop significantly above 3,000 meters elevation.
• Spanish Language Advantage — Speaking basic Spanish greatly enhances interactions with pottery artisans and locals who have limited English and appreciate visitors making effort to communicate in their language.