Candelaria Desert, Natural desert area in Boyacá Department, Colombia.
The Candelaria Desert is a dry area in Boyacá with a striking contrast between arid zones and irrigated sections. A river with green-tinted water flows through the landscape and creates a living strip within the otherwise sparse surroundings.
The area is closely tied to an Augustinian monastery founded in the early 17th century as one of the first monasteries of its kind in the Americas. Proximity to this religious center shaped the region's historical development.
Pottery workshops near the desert have been part of the region's daily life for generations. Artisans there create ceramics that are sold in local markets and shape how the community sees itself.
The area is reachable from several nearby villages and offers multiple routes for exploring. Good footwear and sun protection are important since the sun is intense and pathways vary in condition.
Despite the dry surroundings, corn, tomatoes, and fruit trees grow in the irrigated zones. This patchwork of crops and desert shows how people have learned to work with the region's difficult climate.
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