My Travel Experience

😌Today I want to tell you about a small town in the south of Tolima, hidden among the mountains. To get there, I passed through Chaparral until I reached Roncesvalles, a cold town with very friendly people. This place feels very similar to Boyacá, not only because of its climate and peaceful atmosphere, but also because of its traditions.

Roncesvalles, apart from being beautiful for its landscapes, has unique agriculture: strawberries, tomatoes, and potatoes are grown there. Cattle raising is also very important, and dairy products are their specialty. The quesillo is very famous in the region. One of the most charming aspects is how the town preserves its colonial streets, and how people, wearing their traditional ruanas to face the cold, keep their customs alive.

Some time ago, I traveled to Roncesvalles with my girlfriend and her family, and it was an unforgettable experience. We walked around the town and its colonial streets full of history. We stayed in a beautiful colonial-style hotel that made us feel like we were living in another time. This place has a unique essence that combines peace, tradition, and nature.

When I was younger, I used to think traveling in Colombia was difficult, but this trip completely changed my mind. Roncesvalles is the perfect mix of culture and amazing landscapes, and that is why it should definitely be on your travel bucket list.

Where to Go

One of the best places to visit is the Laguna de los Patos, where we saw frailejones, water springs, and beautiful páramo landscapes. We also saw many wax palms and a lot of yellow-eared parrots, a very special and emblematic bird of the region.

You must also stop by the quesillo factory, where we ate hot, fresh cheese. It was delicious and a unique experience you should not miss in Roncesvalles!

What to Do

In Roncesvalles you can live authentic experiences:

• We played traditional games like 21, which was so much fun with the family.
• We walked a lot along trails and mountains, enjoying the fresh air.
• We tasted local food like bocadillo with cheese, a simple but delicious snack.
• We visited a friend’s farm, where we drank warm milk with fresh bread right after the cows were milked — a very traditional and special moment.

If you try these activities, you will feel closer to the culture and traditions of Tolima.

TRAVE TIPS 

• You have to wear a jacket: the weather is cold and changes quickly.

• You must try hot quesillo in the factory — it is unforgettable.

• You should walk slowly around the colonial streets and enjoy the architecture.

• You don’t have to spend too much money; local prices are very fair.

• You might want to plan time for long walks, because the landscapes are better enjoyed on foot.