Bojayá, Municipality center in Chocó Department, Colombia
Bojayá is a municipality in Chocó Department surrounded by tropical rainforest that covers much of the landscape. The town sits at low elevation in northwestern Colombia and serves as the administrative center for the surrounding region.
A major event in 2002 changed the community and led to the relocation of the town center. Bellavista Viejo was replaced by Bellavista Nuevo in 2007 as the new administrative and residential hub.
Afro-Colombian and Embera indigenous communities shape daily life in Bojayá, each with distinct traditions and practices you notice in local crafts and celebrations. The mix of these two cultures gives the town its particular character and social rhythm.
The town lies in a rainforest region with heavy rainfall, so visitors should come prepared for wet conditions and muddy paths. Access is mainly by boat or small aircraft due to the remote location and lack of road connections to other towns.
The old San Pablo Apóstol church in Bellavista Viejo still stands as a memorial, while the living community has moved to the new town. This separation of the old church from the active settlement shows how the community honors its past while moving forward.
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