Sleepy
Mompos (or Mompox), founded in 1540, and now a UNESCO world heritage
site, is one of Colombia's most beautiful colonial towns. The rows of
white washed one storey colonial building have been used as a backdrop
to many Colombian films and soap operas (novelas). The town looks much
as it did hundreds of years ago - it's isolation means that little has
changed. There's few cars in this backwater, and plenty of folk sitting
about on rocking chairs. Momphos is an excellent place to buy gold and
silver jewellery, and during Easter week (Semana Santa) the town is
packed out for traditional processions - book well in advance if you
visit during Semana Santa. Scenic boat trips along the Rio Magdalena
can be arranged locally.
Hotels in Mompos that you might consider include the recently opened, British-run Casa Amarilla, in addition to Bioma Boutique Hotel,
Hostal Dona Manuela (supposedly the best hotel in Mompos, this
converted colonial building has 20 rooms with air con and a swimming
pool, though it's not particularly amazing), Hospedaje La Quarta (great
value air con rooms), Casa Villa de Mompox, Casa Hotel San Andrés (a
decent mid range option) and La Casona Hotel (comfortable accommodation
in an 18th Century house). As the town is quite hot and humid, try to
book a hotel with air conditioning.
Mompox
is remote, which is part of the reason that it is so enchanting. From
Cartegena, it's an eight hour overland plus ferry trip (from Magangue)
to visit. From Bogota, it's 16 hours by bus. In 2010, a new highway
might open assisting travel to Mompox.
See the video of Mompox for an idea of what this town is like.
