Happy TravellerWelcome to Sogamoso, the City of the Sun, located in the department of Boyacá in Colombia. This charming city is the capital of the Sugamuxi Province and is named after the original Sugamuxi. Sogamoso is known for its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. Join us as we explore the many treasures of Sogamoso and discover why this hidden gem should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
Sogamoso is located at an altitude of 2,569 metres (8,428 ft) on the Altiplano Cundiboyacense in the Eastern Ranges of the Colombian Andes. The city is named after Sugamuxi or Suamox, the original name in Chibcha for the city and Sugamuxi, the last iraca of the sacred City of the Sun. Suamuxi means Dwelling of the Sun. The city is nicknamed City of the Sun, based on the original Muisca tradition of pilgrimage and adoring their Sun god Sué at the Sun Temple.
Before the Spanish conquest, Suamox was ruled by the iraca of which the last ruler was called Sugamuxi. The city was a place of pilgrimage and the iraca was both priest and ruler housed in the Sun Temple, a richly ornamented temple honouring Sué, the Sun god in the Muisca religion. Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada was the conquistador of the Muisca Confederation, arriving in Suamox territories (Iraca Valley) in September 1537. Soldiers of De Quesada -according to Spanish chroniclers accidentally- set the Sun Temple on fire. Lucas Fernández de Piedrahita narrates about the march of De Quesada to Suamox, the looting of the city and the fire of the temple of the Sun.
Today, Sogamoso is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage. The city is composed of 70 neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. Visitors can explore historical places such as the Archaeology Museum Sogamoso, with a reconstruction of the Sun Temple, Central park, 6 September square, The Pile-Mochacá, from the ancient city the old Sogamoso Morca, where the Virgin Of Morca is venerated, and nearby Lake Tota, the largest lake of Colombia and sacred site of the Muisca.
Sogamoso is also known for its festivals and celebrations. In September, the city celebrates its anniversary, and in July, visitors can enjoy the Festivities of the Sun and of the Steel. The Huán Festival is a recreation of the indigenous ceremony of the adoration of the Sun, and in October, visitors can enjoy the Festival of the corn and the Festival of the mud.
The economy of Sogamoso is centered around agriculture, trade, the steel industry and construction materials, and in the exploitation of limestones, marble and coal. The city is served by Alberto Lleras Camargo Airport, and visitors can also travel by road.
Sogamoso is home to seven universities, including the Sogamoso Faculty of Pedagogical and Technological University Of Colombia, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia (UPTC), Open National University at Distance, University Corporation Remington, Polytechnic Grancolombiano, University of Pamplona, and Superior school of Public Administration E.S.A.P. Sogamoso Faculty of the University of Boyacá.
Come and discover the many treasures of Sogamoso, the City of the Sun, and experience the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture of this enchanting destination.
