Happy TravellerWelcome to Mosquera, a charming municipality located in the Western Savanna Province of Colombia, part of the department of Cundinamarca. This hidden gem is often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbor, Bogotá, but it boasts a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering local cuisine that make it a must-visit destination for any traveler.
Mosquera is situated at an altitude of 2,516 metres (8,255 ft) on the Bogotá savanna, and its urban center is part of the capital’s metropolitan area. The municipality borders the localities Bosa and Fontibón of Bogotá in the east, Soacha in the south, Madrid and Funza in the north, and Bojacá in the west.
Etymology:
Mosquera is named after its founder, former president of Colombia Tomás Cipriano de Mosquera, who separated Mosquera from Funza in 1861.
History:
Mosquera is close to Lake Herrera, a remnant lake of the large Pleistocene Lake Humboldt that existed on the Bogotá savanna until approximately 30,000 years BP. The archaeological findings around Lake Herrera date to the preceramic period, predating the Herrera Period, named after the lake. The Muisca established their civilization typically as of 800 AD. They were an advanced culture and performed agriculture on the high plains of the savanna. In the Muisca times maize, potatoes, arracacha, quinoa, sweet potatoes, yuca, peppers, tomatoes, beans, and pumpkins were cultivated in Mosquera. The Muisca were predominantly farmers and traders, and their economy was based on the extraction of salt from the northern parts of the Bogotá savanna. Fruits and other agricultural products growing in different climates were traded on the frequent markets of the Muisca. In Mosquera, pineapples, avocados, guanabanas, ice-cream beans, pitahayas, and guayabas were the fruits traded with warmer climates. Tobacco also came from more tropical regions while cotton was traded with the colder climate Lache.
Funza, of which Mosquera formed the southern part until 1861, was founded by conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada who arrived in the region on April 20, 1537. Presently, Mosquera is a satellite town of the capital Bogotá and has grown significantly in recent years.
In 2022, an unusual type of white foam covered the town. Residents reported that it produced an awful smell and that it had covered large parts of the municipality. While many locals were forced to get inhalers, no effects on public health were recorded.
Born in Mosquera:
Olimpo López (1918–2015), pastry chef, and creator of the Chocoramo (Productos Ramo).
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, Mosquera has something to offer. Visit the Lake Herrera Archaeological Park to learn more about the Muisca civilization and the pre-Columbian history of the region. Take a stroll through the town’s charming streets and admire the colonial architecture of the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary. And don’t forget to try the local cuisine, which includes delicious dishes like ajiaco, a hearty soup made with chicken, potatoes, and corn, and fritanga, a platter of grilled meats and sausages served with plantains and arepas.
Come and discover the hidden treasures of Mosquera, Colombia’s best-kept secret!
