Sogamoso

Sogamoso is an administrative division in the Sugamuxi Province of Boyacá Department, positioned at 2569 meters elevation in the eastern ranges of the Colombian Andes. The municipality serves as the provincial capital and occupies a highland valley that connects surrounding communities through its central location.

Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada arrived in the area in 1537 and his troops accidentally destroyed the sacred Sun Temple of the Muisca people during their exploration. This encounter marked the beginning of Spanish control over a region that had previously served as an important religious center for the indigenous population.

The name Sogamoso originates from Sugamuxi or Suamox in the Chibcha language, translating to Dwelling of the Sun, reflecting its indigenous Muisca heritage.

Alberto Lleras Camargo Airport provides air connections for travelers following the removal of operational restrictions in 2009. The high elevation may cause altitude symptoms for some visitors, so gradual acclimatization after arrival is advisable.

Seven universities operate in the city, including Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, making it an educational hub within the department. The concentration of academic institutions shapes daily life and draws students from across the region.

Location: Boyacá Department

Inception: September 6, 1810

Elevation above the sea: 2,490 m

Website: http://sogamoso-boyaca.gov.co

GPS coordinates: 5.71483,-72.92793

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:51