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.
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.
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.
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Mompós (Bolívar)
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.
Mompós (Santa Cruz de Mompox)
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.
Mompós
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.
Mompós (Bolivar)
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.
