About Mompox
Mompox is one of Colombia’s best-preserved colonial cities. Founded in 1537, the city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Mompox has 44,000 inhabitants and is located deep inland on the RÃo Magdalena, more than 300 km southeast of Cartagena.
“Little Cartagena”
Time has stood still in Mompox. Old crafts are still practiced, such as iron, silver and goldsmithing. The people are friendly and proud of their city, and nature is always nearby. You can walk through atmospheric streets with white houses, across squares with beautiful colonial churches, and along the waterfront. Not for nothing is Mompox also called “Little Cartagena.”
A piece of history
Until the mid-19the century, Mompox was an important port, as a connecting point between the coast and the Andes. Then ships had to find another route, due to erosion of the river. The inhabitants moved elsewhere and Mompox was cut off from the outside world for years. The city inspired the famous Colombian writer Gabriel GarcÃa Márquez. Consequently, there are strong similarities between Mompox and the fictional village of Macondo from his novels.
Mompox, Mompós or Mompoj?
There are several names you will come across on the Internet if you google Mompox. The original name is Mompoj, named after the chief of the Malibú Indian community. The official name is Santa Cruz de Mompox. After Mompox -as the first city in Colombia- declared its independence from the Spanish, people began using the name Mompós. The inhabitants are called “Momposinos” and “Momposinas.”
In this travel guide you will read all about Mompox: how to get there, what to do, what are the nicest hotels and much more.
6 Tips for fun things to do
1. Get to know old crafts
Crafts such as silver and goldsmithing, have a long tradition in Mompox. In the workshops you can see, among other things, how the fine “filigrana” technique is used, where wafer-thin gold and silver threads are woven.
2. Stroll past colonial churches
The colonial buildings and churches are Mompox’s biggest attraction, including the Iglesia de Santa Bárbara on the waterfront. The church has a bell tower, which you can climb. You then have a nice view of the river. At night, the church is especially beautiful, when it is attractively lit.
3. Take a boat ride to Ciénaga de PijÃño
In the mangrove area, you can spot birds and reptiles and along the way there is plenty to see on the waterfront. Among others, with Cienaga Juan Criollo tours (La Casa del Viajero) Also fun: a “sunset cruise” on the river, where, with a drink in your hand, you watch the sun sink into the RÃo Magdalena. Among others with Valerosa tours
4. Cycle along the waterfront (La Albarrada).
On the waterfront, you can get a good look at the beautiful architecture of the colonial houses. A “mandatory” stop, is a photo stop at the colorful Mompox “letters.” Bicycles can be rented at the Hotel San Rafael, among other places. Don’t feel like biking with the warm temperatures? Then let yourself be driven by a tuk-tuk and see the highlights of Mompox in a very relaxing way.
5. Stroll around Antigua Plaza de Mercado
In its heyday, Mompox was one of the most important trading places in Colombia, and the old market building played an important role in it. Its location is ideal, with the RÃo Magdalena on one side and the Plaza de la Concepción on the other. In 2014, the building was restored. Today it sells handmade jewelry and souvenirs, among other things, but you can still soak up the atmosphere of yesteryear.
6. Visit the cemetery
With its white tombs, statues and chapel, the cemetery is a sight in itself. During Miércoles Santo during Easter week, locals gather in the cemetery at night to commemorate the dead and sing together.
Time for snacks and drinks?
Check out the #ToColombia tips here
#1 Have lunch at the Comedor Costeño on the waterfront
Do like the locals and step inside for the menú del dia (daily menu)
#2 Eating pizza at El Fuerte restaurant
Pizzas are prepared in the wood-fired oven and served in the cozy courtyard
#3 Mompox beef tasting at AmbrosÃa restaurante-bar
For the “very local” version, order the steak with queso de capa*.
*This cheese is made by a handful of families in Mompox. The cheese is also delicious paired with the sweet Guava (Bocadillo), which you can buy from street vendors
#4 Have a cup of coffee on the waterfront at Cafe 1700
Choose a cup of coffee from the extensive coffee menu and enjoy it in a lazy rocking chair
#5 Eating crepes at Crepes de la Villa
Also for waffles, desserts and vegetarian crepes
#6 Bringing a bottle of Corozo wine for home
Corozo is the small fruit of the Caribbean Corozo palm. The fruit with a deep red-purple color, is used in juices, sauces and ice creams and in Mompox they make a sweet wine from it. For sale at various stores.
Plan your trip
How to get there.
By bus:
Mompox is easiest to reach from Cartagena, you can get there in about 6 hours. From Bogotá, it’s a long journey of about 14 hours. The price of a bus ticket Cartagena – Mompox with Unitransco (Expreso Brasilia) is around COP70,000/$19. Buses leave from the Terminal de Transportes de Cartagena, about a 45-minute drive from the center.
There is also –puerta a puerta – bus transportation with Marsol (5-6 hours). Departure is from Marsol’s office in Cartagena. Prices are on request.
By plane: There are no flights to Mompox (yet). (July 2023)
By car: In Mompox, you don’t need a car. The city center is easy to explore on foot.
Climate and best time to go
- You can visit Mompox year-round. Just keep in mind that it is very hot and humid. The mercury can reach about 38 degrees. Therefore, an air-conditioned hotel is definitely recommended.
- During Christmas and New Year’s Eve, Easter and during events, Mompox is popular with Colombian tourists. Accomodations are quickly booked up then and prices tend to be higher.
Events
Mompox Jazz Festival – September
The festival is well known in Colombia and far beyond. Every year in September, national and international artists and visitors come to Mompox for this event.
Semana Santa – Easter week
Mompox is one of the best places in Colombia to experience Easter celebrations. The celebrations there are a centuries-old tradition. They include processions and the many churches are beautifully decorated.
For both popular events, be sure to book your accommodations well in advance.
Dia de independencia de Colombia- July 20
During Independence Day, parties are celebrated in Mompox, including traditional dances such as cumbia and bambuco. With the beautiful clothing of the dancers, this provides quite a few nice pictures.
Where to spend the night?
€ price range up to €40
€€ price range €40 – €60
€€€ price range above €60
Important info A-Z
Drinking water
The water from the tap is not drinkable
Locals & language
In general, little English is spoken. A word of Spanish is certainly helpful and does wonders for getting in touch with the locals.
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required for Mompox.
Bring
- Airy clothing
- Swimwear
- Cap or hat
- Sunscreen
- Anti mosquito spray
- Waterthermos
Safety
Mompox is known as safe, especially the historic center where most of the sights are. When in doubt, always check with hotel staff or other locals.
Wifi
Most hotels have wifi, but the connection is not always stable.
