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On July 25, 1819, at Pantano de Vargas, troops led by Simón Bolívar confronted Spanish royalist troops who were trying to reach Bogotá, which was lightly defended. Even though they were exhausted after crossing a mountain pass, they defeated the royalists. This victory was followed by another at Puente de Boyacá just two weeks later, securing independence from Spain for Nuevo Granada (now Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama).
Monument
The victory at Pantano de Vargas is commemorated by Colombia’s largest monument, the Monument to the Lancers (Monumento a los Lanceros). It was dedicated in 1970 and designed by Rodrigo Arenas Betancourt. The monument depicts the attack of 14 lancers led by Colonel Juan José Rondón, who were the difference in the battle.
A path leads up to the monument allowing visitors to get a closer look. There are several commemorative plaques around it as well as great views of the area where the battle took place.
Pueblo Boyacense
Next to the monument is a replica village, Pueblo Boyacense, full of souvenir shops and restaurants. There’s also a small museum which was closed during our visit.
Getting There
Pantano de Vargas is located near the town of Paipa. I didn’t see any buses passing by, so I’m sure you would have to hire a taxi in Paipa or Duitama to get there.
