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Facatativá Archaeological Park
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Historical site
The Facatativá Archaeological Park, also known as Piedras del Tunjo, is located at the western edge of the Bogotá savanna. The area spans 27 hectares and houses impressive sandstone rock formations created millions of years ago through geological processes. Historically, the park is of inestimable value as it contains over 60 sites with prehistoric rock paintings (pictographs) attributed to the Muisca Indians and earlier cultures. These drawings were made using pigments from ochre and plant extracts, often depicting animals, humans, or abstract symbols. The park likely served as a sacred site for religious ceremonies and astronomical observations. Despite decades of erosion and human impact, many paintings are still visible today. The site was officially declared a park in 1946 to protect the region's cultural heritage.
- Location: Colombia
- Top sights: La Torre del Vigia- Betel · Iglesia San Jose Obrero · Salón del reino de los testigos de Jehová
- Nearby: Soacha (17 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Rain mm | 45 | 69 | 117 | 183 | 173 | 132 | 108 | 92 | 93 | 165 | 147 | 90 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Facatativá Archaeological Park is open during daylight hours, featuring massive rock formations with ancient Muisca pictograms. The park can be visited for a small fee; sturdy footwear is recommended for climbing rocks.
Typical hours
The park typically opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at sunset. It is advisable to come early in the morning to avoid heat and crowds.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the park, but touching or damaging the pictograms is strictly forbidden. For good shots of the rock paintings, use a light telephoto lens.
Time needed
Viewing the main rocks and pictograms takes about one and a half hours. If you explore all the trails, plan for two to three hours.
Combine with
The park is near the town of Facatativá, which has a pleasant main square and church. A trip to Bogotá is also reachable within an hour from here.
Getting there
The park is accessible by car or bus from Bogotá, taking about one hour. From Facatativá, local buses or taxis go to the park entrance.
Insider tip
Bring plenty of water and sunscreen as there is little shade. A local guide can explain the pictograms' meaning - ask at the entrance.
Geography
Facts
- The rock paintings are estimated to be between 1,000 and 12,000 years old.
- The park is located at an average altitude of 2,600 meters.
- Over 1,000 individual pictographs have been registered throughout the area.
- The red color of the paintings comes mainly from iron oxides.
- During the colonial era, the site was used as a quarry for buildings in Bogotá.
- The rock formations consist of quartz sandstone from the Guadalupe Group.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town Facatativá Archaeological Park (7)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What can you see in the park?
The park is known for its pre-Columbian rock paintings and massive stone formations.
How far is Facatativá from Bogotá?
It is located about 40 km west of Bogotá; the trip takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Is picnicking allowed in the park?
Yes, there are designated areas for picnics and outdoor recreation.
Is access to the rock paintings protected?
The paintings are often protected by fences; please do not touch the rocks under any circumstances.
Are there entrance fees?
Yes, a small fee is charged for the maintenance of the park.
Facatativá Archaeological Park: where is it located?
Facatativá Archaeological Park is located in Colombia.
Facatativá Archaeological Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include La Torre del Vigia- Betel, Iglesia San Jose Obrero, Salón del reino de los testigos de Jehová.
Facatativá Archaeological Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Sep.
Facatativá Archaeological Park: why is it worth visiting?
The Facatativá Archaeological Park, also known as Piedras del Tunjo, is located at the western edge of the Bogotá savanna.
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