Mompox: Tourism, Top Sights & Holy Week in the Heritage Town
Mompox is an architectural gem, one of the best-preserved towns in Colombia, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The town of Santa Cruz de Mompox looks like something out of García Márquez's novels, and is famous for its Holy Week celebrations.
Mompox has hotels and options for excursions and weekend trips. It sits on the banks of the Magdalena River, in the Bolívar department. It was once an important port and an obligatory stop for boats traveling between Bogotá and the Caribbean coast.
The town is also spelled Mompos.
How to get to Mompox
Geographically, Mompox sits on an island in the Magdalena River region.
To arrive by road from Bogotá, you use the Botón de Leyva bridge that links Mompox with the municipality of El Banco (Magdalena).
You can also come from Cartagena by road to the municipality of Yatí (Bolívar), where you load your vehicle onto a ferry to sail the Magdalena to La Bodega, then continue by road to Mompox.
There are two ferry companies between Yatí and La Bodega: Mompox 450 Años and Ferry Caldas. Ferry times: departures from Yatí at 5:00 am, 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm.
Bus companies with direct service from Cartagena or Barranquilla to Mompox: Caribe Express (Expreso Brasilia).
Tourism in Mompox
The streets of Mompox have a very particular charm; walking through town, visitors feel they have traveled back in time. Travelers enjoy their stay on the banks of the Magdalena, with its colonial buildings, the calm pace of the town and the friendliness of its people.
Mompox has all the services a traveler needs, such as hotels and hostels — many in restored colonial mansions — along with restaurants, shops and the option to hire a guide for various outings.
The town's goldsmiths are famous, working gold and mastering the art of filigree.
Top sights in Mompox
Church of the Immaculate Conception
Considered the cathedral of Mompox, it was built in 1541 by order of Pedro de Heredia. The church has beautifully preserved architecture and is well worth a visit.
Main Square
Also known as Plaza de la Concepción, as it faces that church, it was long the center of town. Around it stand various old buildings, and from the riverside you can watch the small boats coming and going from neighboring villages.
San Francisco Church and Convent
The church, along with the convent and a school, were founded in 1580 by Friar Francisco Gonzaga.
Santander Grove
This park sits on the riverbank and is the green space where locals and visitors enjoy the river views and the fresh breeze. It holds a monument to the independence hero Francisco de Paula Santander, along with various tree species and wildlife such as birds, monkeys, iguanas and sloths.
Tamarind Square
Tamarind Square, also known as Plaza de Bolívar for its monument to the Liberator, is Mompox's central square — an ideal place to see local life.
Santa Bárbara Church
For many, the prettiest church in town, notable for its beautiful Baroque tower. Inside it preserves important historic and religious heritage.
Pozuelo Marsh
The Pozuelo Marsh (ciénaga) is a must for anyone who enjoys nature and wildlife. It is one of the most important ecological sites around Mompox, home to water birds, caimans, monkeys and more.
Other places to visit:
- Plaza de la Libertad
- San Agustín Church
- Mompox Municipal Cemetery
- Casa del Recuerdo almshouse
- San Juan de Dios Hospital
- Municipal Palace (San Carlos Cloister)
- El Cuchubo Botanical Garden
- Casa del Cabildo
- The Suán Tree
- The Noria Well
- House of Culture
- Plazuela del Moral
- Bolívar's Stone
- Pinillos School
Holy Week in Mompox
In Mompox, Holy Week is celebrated in a special way, with many activities, Masses and processions. Every church holds religious services and stays open for tourists to visit. During Easter, Mompox welcomes thousands of visitors from across Colombia and abroad, so booking hotels and services well in advance is always recommended.
Hotels in Mompox
Bioma Boutique Hotel
Address: Calle Real del Medio No. 18-59.
Phone: +57 (315) 506-3716
Website: bioma.co
Hotel Jardines Evans
Address: Calle Real del Medio # 19-37
Phone: +57 301 7914268
Facebook: Hoteljardinesevans
Hotel Nieto Mompox
Address: Cr 1, Cl 16 A 45, Mompós, Bolívar.
WhatsApp: 314 7334992
Hotel Karakalí Boutique
Address: Cra. 1 #19-101, Santa Cruz de Mompox, Mompós, Bolívar
Phone: +57 601 5875290
Website: hotelkarakali.com
Bohemia Hotel Boutique
Address: Cra. 1 A # 18-55, Santa Cruz de Mompox, Mompós, Bolívar.
Phone: +57 322 2500179
Café Mompox Colonial House
Address: Cra. 2 #16A-34, Santa Cruz de Mompox, Mompós, Bolívar.
Phone: +57 304 2492441
Website: cafe-mompox.negocio.site
Hotel Villa de Mompox
Address: Calle Real del Medio, between Santa Bárbara and Tres Cruces, Carrera 2 #14-108, Mompós, Bolívar.
Phone: +57 323 3728785
Website: villademompox.com
Map of Mompox
Frequently asked questions about Mompox
In the Bolívar department, on the banks of the Magdalena River, on a river island. It is also spelled Mompós.
For being one of the best-preserved colonial towns in Colombia, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for its celebrated Holy Week.
From Cartagena by road to Yatí and then by ferry across the river to La Bodega, continuing by road; or from Bogotá via the bridge that connects to El Banco (Magdalena). There are also direct buses (Caribe Express) from Cartagena and Barranquilla.
Explore the colonial churches and streets, Santa Bárbara Square, take boat rides on the Magdalena and the marshes, and visit the workshops of the traditional Mompox filigree (gold and silver jewelry).
It takes place in March or April depending on the liturgical calendar each year; it is one of the most traditional in the country and draws many visitors, so book ahead.
Warm weather all year. Holy Week is the busiest time; the rest of the year the town can be enjoyed more peacefully.