4 artisan villages in Colombia that you must visit
We are a Colombian brand that believes in local talent, in the value of craftsmanship, and in rescuing ancestral techniques and trades. Therefore, as lovers of our country and its culture, in today's blog we recommend four artisanal towns that you can visit by car to learn more about them and bring part of their essence to your home.
Raquira, Boyaca
Just two and a half hours from Bogotá is Ráquira, better known as the Artisanal Capital of Colombia. This Boyacá municipality, iconic for its captivating clay ceramic crafts, is a destination you must visit. Not only can you buy these pieces and take them home to give it a rustic touch, but you can also make them with your own hands in the local workshops.
Other activities to do there include hiking, which will allow you to appreciate the colorful facades of the town, tours to learn more about Muisca history, horseback riding and getting to know the La Candelaria desert, and even celebrating the Festival of Cargueros.
Charala, Santander
One of the most emblematic practices of Colombia, derived from its ancestors, is weaving, a tradition that is kept alive in Charalá. Three hours from Bucaramanga is the municipality of Santander, which was previously inhabited by the Guanes, an indigenous people expert in transforming cotton into unique pieces . This civilization mastered the art of cultivating, spinning and dyeing – using dyes made from fruits and plants – this material to make handmade artisanal fabrics.
If you are looking to dress your home with ancestral culture, you must visit this town: in addition, your visit will contribute to the rescue of traditional indigenous and peasant practices while you learn more about this expert handling of threads, its organic materials and its sustainable processes.
Filandia, Quindio
Less than an hour from Armenia and Pereira is Filandia, an authentic coffee-growing town that stands out for its basketry, an ancient tradition that has been preserved to exalt its art and culture. Although at first baskets and hampers were mainly woven to collect coffee, over time these techniques began to be used to create vases, lamps and other crafts from the natural fiber of the vine.
Interactive spaces and guided tours will allow you to learn more about the history of this department, while its products will allow you to give your spaces a more natural, fresh and bohemian feel.
Jericho, Antioch
Leather is one of our favorite materials, since, due to its great durability and versatility, it allows us to create a large number of products, from furniture to handicrafts. In the Antioquia department, three hours from Medellín, is Jerico ́ , a town famous for producing one of the most traditional crafts of the muleteer culture: the carriel.
Their leather products range from accessories such as wallets, cases, bags, sandals, belts, and the typical leather bag, to home decorations such as paintings and ornaments. Therefore, if you want to enjoy an environment with charming architecture, natural landscapes and a wide range of pieces to complement your spaces, Jericó is a town you must visit.
