Visit Mompox travel guide: Best things to do and see

Mompox is one of the jewels of colonial architecture in Colombia, inscribed on the World Heritage List!

It’s a somewhat mysterious destination, not so easy to get to, and certainly one of the most fantasized about on a trip to Colombia, thanks to its reputation as a village “frozen in time“.

Many of you will want to include it in your Colombian travel itinerary.

But for lovers of colonial architecture, lost villages and stories and legends, Mompox remains a my(s) thique destination for a trip to Colombia!

In this post, we’re going to make you want to go there by showing you some original ideas (or not) for visiting Mompox and telling you about the little stories that make up its charm.

The narrow streets of the historic center

Visit Mompox travel guide

Strolling through the historic center of Mompox is one of the most important things you can do during your stay in the sleeping beauty! In fact, it could be the only thing you do. Wander, nose to the wind, from place to place, and let time flow.

Mompox has an exceptional heritage, and the walls of the old town exude the past of a bygone era. But don’t expect anything too extensive – this isn’t Cartagena. Here, the small historic center stretches from the banks of the Rio Mompox, a tributary of the Magdalena River, over two main streets and 5 or 6 cuadras.

That’s enough for the traveler looking to slow down, the one who knows how to sit at a table and contemplate life as it goes by, the one who lets himself be overwhelmed by the tropical heat that reigns over Mompox.

Mompox cemetery

Best things to do in Mompox

The Mompox cemetery is one of the city’s most visited sites. It’s a real work of art and a curiosity in its own right.

Crossing the main avenue that marks the end of the historic center, you change territory, onto what was once the countryside. At one time, the cemetery was located on the outskirts of town. Over time, urbanization has come to surround it and eventually include it in the city.

Push open the gate to discover a small, immaculate cemetery. At the far end, a small, simple chapel welcomes visitors who have come to pay their respects. The curiosity: cats. The cemetery and chapel are filled with cats – big ones, babies, old ones, young ones, etc. – like guardians of the “passage”.

A work of art dressed all in white, the cemetery offers a harmony that makes an impact on those who come here to seek a well-deserved eternal rest. There are many stories, myths and legends surrounding the Mompox cemetery, which is why we strongly advise you to take a guided tour of historic Mompox!

Tour of the Cienaga de Pijiño

Best Things to do in Mompox

The boat trip on the Cienaga de Pijiño is probably the best-known and most recognized activity if you want to do “something else” in Mompox. On this trip, you’ll discover a tiny part of one of Colombia’s most important lake systems , made up of numerous marshes, the “cienagas “, which surround the immense Rio Magdalena.

We follow the Brazo Mompox, a tributary of the Rio Magdalena, and then small canals that open onto the extensive Cienaga de Pijiño. Along the way, you can see large Iguanas, Basilisks walking on the water and Caimans drying out on the shore… children bathing a little further on… fishermen casting their nets… a whole wild and social life bustling about in this natural and rich semi-aquatic environment.

When you reach the Cienaga, the landscape opens up and you discover the ornithological wealth of the area: numerous species of birds take advantage of the unique ecosystem, including waders, kingfishers, herons, moorhens, lapwings, Jacanas and more.

Cycling in Mompox

Visit Mompox travel guide

If we’re talking about cycling in Mompox, it’s not because it’s a very practical means of transport for visiting the town, but it’s mainly because bicycles are widely used by Mompoxians themselves!

What’s striking at first glance is that the momposino bikes are real collector’s items! We had a great time taking a whole gallery of photos, each one more fun than the last, on the theme of bicycles.

So if you don’t feel like getting on the two wheels yourself, the game at Mompox could also be counting old bikes!

It really is a kind of tradition that reflects the Mompox way of life. It’s a quiet and peaceful way to get around.

The most beautiful tree in Mompox

Visit Mompox travel guide

It’s one of the many sights of Mompox, a gigantic Hevea tree enthroned in the middle of a colonial patio… The rubber tree, said to be over 150 years old, is located inside theHostel Doña Manuela, which by the way is only a hostel in name, since it’s a beautiful upmarket hotel.

The hotel is an old colonial house, built in the 17th century and recently renovated with the help of Colombia’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce for its exceptional architectural character, like all the colonial houses in the historic center at the same time!

The tree is lit up in the evening, and you can get married in the heart of its trunk, but above all you can come and admire it for free, just by asking nicely at reception.

For the record, contrary to what you might think, it’s not the oldest tree in Mompox!

Historical guided tour of Mompox

Best Things to do

We stayed 3 days in Mompox and will tell you more about our experience in a future post, but we had long planned to take the historical tour offered by Luis Alfredo, the “star” of Mompox guides with whom we regularly exchanged.

Luis Alfredo has always been passionate about history, from his early childhood when he devoured books, and you can sense his passion and desire to share the history of his native village. We can only recommend that you take this tour with Luis Alfredo!

The tour consists of a stroll through the historic center of Mompox to learn all about its history, its main monuments and a few myths and legends! The tour ends with a visit to a filigree workshop.

It’s a visit we really recommend if you want to understand a bit about Mompox! Of course, this is a tour for Spanish-speakers, but Luis Alfredo told us that an English-speaking translator was also available for those who so wished.

The churches of Mompox

Visit Mompox travel guide

As you may know, during the colonial era, the principle of founding a village was always the same: create a “plaza mayor”, a main square, build a church and then develop the village around it.

Mompox is unique in having seen no less than 3 “founding” plazas and 6 churches built within a perimeter of just a few hundred meters! A visit to Mompox is an opportunity to play church-hunting!

Santa Barbara Church (1613)

This is surely the most unusual church in Mompox, with its bell tower, balcony and three windows. It is said to owe its name and architecture to the Turkish legend of Santa Barbara of Izmir, patron saint of storms, who was murdered in her tower.

San Agustin church (1606)

A minor basilica founded by the Augustinians, this church stands out for its Christ on the Cross, which is of historical importance to the faithful and to Colombian culture. It is one of the relics proudly carried in procession during the (very) important Holy Week festivities in Mompox.

Santo Domingo Church (1544)

Built by the Dominicans, this church is decorated in Mompox’s traditional yellow and white, but stands out for its large green doors. It features the altar of the Virgin of the Rosary. It marks the end of Mompox’s historic center.

San Francisco de Asis Church (1580)

Founded by the Franciscans, this is the only church not to display the Mompox colors. In fact, it does as it pleases, adorning itself in red! Inside, you’ll find magnificent, perfectly preserved wooden altarpieces. Right next to the river, the plaza features the famous saxophone sculpture in tribute to the Mompox Jazz Festival.

Imaculada Concepción Church (1540)

This was the first church built in Mompox. All white with red domes, it stands proudly in the square of the same name, opposite the old market by the river.

San Juan de Dios Church (1545)

This is perhaps the church that has survived the longest, with its slightly dilapidated yellow-and-white facade. Its altar shows the influence of the Romanesque style, with Doric and Corinthian motifs.

Now it’s your turn to find each of these churches! Not all of them are always open, but if you can, don’t hesitate to respectfully enter and explore the interiors.

Most of them continue to be lively places of worship, with daily masses.

Making queso de capa

Best things to do in Mompox

Thanks to our guide Luis Alfredo, we were lucky enough to meet Lucho. And meeting Lucho was something we won’t soon forget! We’ll tell you all about it soon.

Lucho is a producer and seller of “Queso de Capa”, another of Mompox’s pride and joys. This “cheese in a layer” is one of Mompox’s traditional products. We could also mention “Vino de Corozo”, which we tasted in a store.

There’s nothing exceptional about this cheese in itself, but the moment of sharing it is exceptional! As always when we “go to the other side”, when we meet producers and artisans and they share their daily lives and know-how with us. It’s always so enriching to learn about the local culture from someone like Lucho, and to value local traditions. It’s also a great way to support their work and their families by buying their products.

As you can see, for us, this is an unmissable experience at Mompox! And in general, as with the watermark, we strongly advise you to discover the trades, skills and crafts of those who make them every day!

Filigree workshops

Visit Mompox travel guide

Filigrana is the craft that continues to make Mompox the country’s goldsmith capital. And here’s another story typical of Colombia and its skilful blend of origins.

Mompox filigree is the result of a fusion of two goldsmithing heritages : the indigenous tradition (check out Bogotá’s gold museum!) and the Arab tradition brought by the Andalusian Spaniards.

Often described as “the art of patience” , you have to go into a workshop and watch the goldsmiths at work to fully understand its meaning. The basis of every piece is a simple silver wire, shaped by hand to produce unique pieces of breathtaking lightness.

Mompox filigree is an art recognized across the country and around the world. We love the finesse of these jewels, and to tell the truth, we couldn’t help but make (ourselves) a few gifts!

There are plenty of stores selling filigree jewelry, but try to find a real workshop where you can exchange ideas and learn a little about the manufacturing process. Otherwise, the ideal solution is to take a guided tour that takes you right up close to the goldsmiths, so you can ask them all your questions.

Mompox Jazz Festival

A national event

Along with Holy Week, this is THE highlight of the year in Mompox. An event that brings thousands of people to town and has made it one of Colombia’s most important jazz festivals in recent years.

The festival offers a varied program, from Colombian jazzmen to young international talents, with always one or two headliners not to be missed, and other musical genres represented too.

During the festival, the whole city is abuzz with free concerts, parades and traditional music – in short, it’s a party! And the icing on the cake: all concerts are free!

The Mompox Jazz Festival takes place every year in early September. So it’s a date to consider if it coincides with your itinerary.

Either you’re interested, and this is your chance to take part in one of Mompox’s major events, or you’re not, and we’d advise you to avoid going to Mompox during this period, as the town and hotels are full!