Tibana: Arriería, Straw Art and Mountain Landscapes

A trip to Tibana offers different perspectives: the Arriería tradition and handicrafts made from white straw, as well as the mountain landscape along the Sendero del Oso. The cultural attractions and hiking trail are located within the municipality of Tibaná and reveal different facets of the area.

Arriería: Competition and Tradition

The Festival Cultural y de la Arriería in Tibaná reached its 24th edition in 2020; that edition was held virtually. Competitions celebrating the Arriería tradition judged the best horse, the clothing and traditional dress of the arrieros, and their skill. The competitions offered a cultural spectacle for locals and tourists alike. The focus was not only on the horses, but also on the arrieros’ clothing and abilities.

The festivities in honor of the Virgen del Carmen, the municipality’s patron saint, are also considered traditional. Together with the Arriería, they shape the cultural identity that travelers can discover in Tibaná.

Straw Handicrafts: From Workshop to Exhibition

The 2025 portfolio presents the Taller de Artesanías in the Vereda Ruche as a workshop in weaving with white straw and an exhibition of traditional handicrafts. It offers two distinct ways to engage with the craft: the weaving technique itself and the opportunity to view traditional works.

A historical account reports that the production of white-straw handicrafts in Tibaná and Guacamayas began more than 40 years ago. The spiral-coiling technique is used. This shared geographical origin links the craft traditions of the two municipalities, while the workshop and exhibition at the Taller in Ruche offer specific activities to explore within the municipality.

Mountain Landscapes and Architecture

The Sendero del Oso is located in the Vereda Chiguata within the municipality of Tibaná, near the border with Chinavita. It connects the Mamapacha and Bijagual massifs. From there, visitors can see the provinces of Márquez and Lengupá, as well as the Valle de Tenza mountain range in the province of Neira. The landscape offers a very different focus from the cultural attractions, with the massif and sweeping views taking center stage.

The Templo de San Laureano is part of the municipality’s architectural heritage. Built from dressed stone, it is considered one of the oldest and most representative architectural legacies of Nueva Granada. For travelers interested in architecture as well as crafts and traditions, the temple adds another dimension to Tibaná’s cultural attractions.

Choose a Holiday Rental Based on Your Travel Interests

When looking for a holiday rental in Tibana, your preferred interests can guide your choice: Arriería and straw handicrafts add a cultural focus, while the Sendero del Oso puts landscapes and views in the foreground. Consider which of these perspectives you want to shape your trip, and look for accommodation accordingly.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Cucaita, Duitama, Los Curos, Villa De Leiva, Santa Rosa de Viterbo, Papayal, Moniquira, Tibasosa.

For the main travel overview: Boyacá.