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Mompós

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About Mompós

Simón Bolívar, the famous liberator of much of South America once said "If to Caracas I owe my life, then to Mompós I owe my glory”. This small town, on an island in the Magdalena River, had almost all of its able bodied men recruited by Bolívar for the successful battle in Caracas. Once a thriving town built by the slave and tobacco trade, it is now one of Colombia's most perfectly preserved colonial towns. In steep decline since the 19th century due to the silting of the river, it has risen from obscure legend into fame: now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of boutique hotels, restaurants and a burgeoning tourist industry. Many of the best places to stay in Mompós are converted historical buildings which give a real feel of the town's past.

A hidden gem, it is no wonder the town was relatively unknown until recently: it takes six hours to get here from the coastal city of Cartagena. Mule-driven carts outnumber cars and old rickshaws are used as taxis. Down the cobbled streets you'll encounter 500-year-old buildings in the form of multicoloured churches, decaying facades and palatial riverside mansions. Street vendors selling fresh fish and lemonade holler into crowds and down by the river, you can see leatherskinned men in straw hats unloading bananas from their canoes. The riverside restaurants are wonderful and for dinner, locals congregate in the main square and eat from the street vendors. A vibrant place, (the locals love to party) the riverside bars are full of friendly and fun citizens eager to meet the clutches of tourists who dare make the long journey to their beautiful town.

What not to miss:

  • Read up on your history before visiting La Piedra de Bolivar. This modest monument is a powerful indication of Bolivar’s influence on the town.

  • Santa Barbara Church is small and beautiful, great to visit in the twilight when the lights come on.

  • A mark of Spanish colonisation, Plaza de Mercado is the historic market building that sits amidst a host of small bars and restaurants.

  • For dinner go to the main square and eat with locals from the street vendors, then head to the riverside bars.

Mompós is picturesque and perfectly preserved, a true rarity. Make no mistake, it is a trek getting here, but it will be worth every bump on the unpaved roads. Our collection of the best places to stay in Mompós are ideally located to make the most of this picturesque spot.

The best places to stay in Mompos

For a riverside location

  • Portal de la Marquesa is situated beside the beautiful Brazo de Mompos river and was once a prestigious colonial house. Stunningly renovated, it now features traditional architecture and light, airy rooms. It’s also only a short walk to the town centre.

For an apartment or villa

  • Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of apartments and villas.

Travel information

  • The temperature rarely drops below 30 degrees, but to avoid the inevitable tropical monsoons it is best to go between December and March.
  • Fly to Cartagena (Rafael Nunez International Airport) and then take the 6 hour Toto Express to Mompós.

Still not sure where to book?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Mompós

Best Hotels in Mompós

  • La Casa Amarilla Mompós (Bolívar) 10 rooms from $60

    City Style  -  Situated in a heritage property in the colonial town of Mompós, this hotel has lots of local city style
    Romantic Break  -  Couples love the romantic suites at this heritage hotel; book a master suite for a private terrace
    Local exploring  -  With a prime, riverside location, this hotel is perfectly placed for local exploring
    Great walks  -  Explore the picturesque streets of the city with a riverside stroll; the hotel will happily provide an itinerary for you
    Air conditioningGardenPet friendlyViewsParking

    This hotel has a privileged riverside location in the historic Santa Bárbara Plaza in Mompós, Colombia. Guestrooms boast king-size beds, exposed beams and heritage-style furnishings; book the master suite for a terrace with river views. Unwind on the hotel's roof terrace; a charming heritage hotel. See More

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  • Hotel La Gloria Mompós (Santa Cruz de Mompox) 14 rooms from $66

    Local exploring  -  Set just two blocks from the historic centre ( a UNESCO World Heritage Site) — this is a convenient choice for city exploring
    Families  -  Family rooms easily accommodate four people with twin beds and a double bed while kids will love the outdoor pool
    Value chic  -  With chicly styled modern rooms and rates starting around the $60 mark — this is a reasonably priced stay
    Sights nearby  -  Visit striking historic sites such as the churches of San Francisco and Santa Barbara
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolParking

    A small modern hotel set just a short stroll from the historic centre. Rooms vary in size from twin rooms to spacious family suites. Each is simply styled with pale wood furniture, private balconies, and local artwork. There's a large outdoor pool and pretty courtyard areas. A well-priced crashpad. See More

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  • Hostal Doña Manuela Mompós 24 rooms from $77

    City Style  -  Situated in a carefully restored 17th-century property, this hotel has reams of local city style
    Romantic Break  -  Couples love the classic interiors at this chic hotel; unwind by the pretty outdoor pool
    Local exploring  -  With a central location in Mompós, this hotel is great for local exploring
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the Iglesia de Santa Bárbara, a colonial-era church renowned for its architecture
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParking

    This hotel occupies a beautifully restored 17th-century property in Bolívar, Colombia. Guestrooms feature traditional terracotta floors, plush linens and comfortable beds; book a luxury suite for direct pool access and living space. Sample gourmet Colombian cuisine in the restaurant; a stylish stay. See More

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  • Portal de La Marquesa Mompós (Bolivar) 5 rooms from $93

    Local exploring  -  An atmospheric colonial town house close to the historical centre
    Townhouse
    Birdwatching  -  The town's surrounds are an enormous area of low wetlands making this an ideal jump off point for birdwatching trips.
    Sights nearby  -  Numerous churches to explore the most noteworthy being the Santa Barbara, the San Francisco and the San Agustin.
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessNo pets

    A large and airy colonial style boutique hotel. Beautifully renovated throughout, highlighting the building's original features, with beamed ceilings, intricately carved doors and arched doorways. Boasting views over the river and just steps from the historic centre. See More

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