El Infiernito (Parque Arqueológico de Monquirá)
El Infiernito
A pre-Hispanic astronomical site of the Muisca people, with two rows of stone pillars used to read sunlight and set planting times, plus several phallic-shaped stone pillars
El Infiernito, formally the Moniquirá Archaeological Park, is an astronomical observation and ritual site of the pre-Columbian Muisca people. Two rows of several dozen stone pillars run east to west, and the ancients judged the dry and rainy seasons and planting times by the length of their shadows. Many phallic-shaped stone pillars reflect fertility worship, and there is also a stone tomb. About 3 km from the old town, it is often combined with the Fossil Museum as a half-day loop. Admission is about 15,000 pesos, and the park is closed on Mondays. There is no shade inside the park, so bring sun protection.
Opening hours
Tue–Sun 09:00–12:00, 14:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Museo El Fósil
- Gondava
- Pozos Azules
- Casa Terracota
- Viñedo Ain Karim
- Museo del Carmen
- Plaza Mayor de Villa de Leyva
- Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario