Tunja: The Historical Heart of Colombia's Andes

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
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• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Lo siento
  [dee-skool-peh/loh see-ehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
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• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseQuisiera ver el menú, por favor
  [kee-syeh-rah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseQuisiera pagar, por favor
  [kee-syeh-rah pah-gar, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llame a la Policía!
  [yah-meh ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llame a un doctor!
  [yah-meh ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Quisiera comprar...
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• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwahn-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es muy caro
  [eh-soh ehs moo-ee kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Media (10)
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• MorningMañana
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• AfternoonTarde
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• EveningNoche
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• YesterdayAyer
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• TodayHoy
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• TomorrowMañana
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• 1Uno
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• 5Cinco
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• 6Seis
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• 7Siete
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• 8Ocho
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• 9Nueve
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• 10Diez
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• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
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• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
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• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puede mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-deh mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl prohk-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (para ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (pah-rah)]

Tunja was founded on August 6, 1539, by Captain Gonzalo Suárez Rendón. The city quickly became an important center during the Spanish colonial period due to its strategic location and fertile lands. The layout of the city reflects the typical Spanish colonial design, with a central plaza surrounded by administrative and religious buildings. The city served as a vital link between the interior of Colombia and the Caribbean coast.

Tunja played a significant role in Colombia's struggle for independence from Spanish rule. It was a stronghold for revolutionary leaders and hosted several key meetings, including the Congress of Tunja in 1816. The city's strategic location made it a crucial site for military campaigns, and it was a key stop on the route of Simón Bolívar's famous march to liberate New Granada.

Tunja boasts a rich cultural and architectural heritage that reflects its colonial past. The city is home to numerous historical buildings, including the Cathedral Basilica of St. James the Apostle, built between 1567 and 1574. Another notable site is the Puente de Boyacá, a bridge where the decisive Battle of Boyacá took place in 1819, marking the turning point in Colombia's independence movement. The city also hosts several colonial-era churches, monasteries, and well-preserved colonial houses.

The 20th century saw Tunja evolving into a modern city while preserving its historical legacy. The city became an educational and cultural hub, with the establishment of the Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia in 1953. Tunja's historical sites and cultural events, such as the Holy Week celebrations, continue to draw visitors and scholars alike.

Today, Tunja is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends its rich history with modern amenities. It is known for its lively cultural scene, including festivals, museums, and theaters. The city's historical center remains a focal point for both locals and tourists, offering a glimpse into Colombia's colonial past while providing modern conveniences. Tunja continues to be an important cultural and educational center in the Boyacá Department.

Tunja is located in the Boyacá Department of Colombia. The nearest major airport is El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, approximately 150 kilometers away. From Bogotá, you can take a bus from the Terminal de Transporte de Bogotá to Tunja, which typically takes around 3 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car in Bogotá and drive to Tunja, enjoying the scenic route through the Andes mountains.

Tunja is a relatively small city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips within the city, you can use taxis, which are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Public buses and colectivos (shared minibuses) operate within Tunja and connect to nearby towns and villages. Renting a bicycle is also an option for exploring the city at your own pace.

The official currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Tunja, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are widely available in the city, but make sure to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards.

Tunja is generally a safe city for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Areas to be cautious of include the outskirts of the city and poorly lit streets at night. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, so remain vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 123 for immediate assistance. Tunja has local police stations and medical facilities, including the Hospital San Rafael de Tunja. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly and comfortably, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always be quiet and respectful in churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly 'Buenos Días'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Tunja like a local, visit the Plaza de Bolívar, where you can observe daily life and purchase local crafts. Engage with locals at the markets, such as the Plaza de Mercado del Sur, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Boyacá goods. Don’t miss the Paredón de los Mártires for a taste of local history, and try the regional cuisine, especially Boyacense arepas and almojábanas. For a unique experience, visit during the Aguinaldo Boyacense festival in December, which features parades, fireworks, and cultural events.