Tunja, Colombia

Capital City

At 2,820 meters above sea level, Tunja hits you with crisp mountain air and a slower pace of life. The city’s colonial architecture and religious sites draw tourists, but expats in Tunja are more likely to appreciate its affordability and proximity to Bogotá, just a two-hour drive away. The high elevation means cooler temperatures year-round, so pack layers.

As the capital of Boyacá, Tunja has decent infrastructure and a strong educational focus, with several universities anchoring the local economy. The Pan American Highway runs through town, making regional travel straightforward. One friction point: the city’s festivals, while lively, can disrupt daily routines with street closures and noise. If you’re looking for a quiet, budget-friendly base in Colombia’s highlands, Tunja works. If you crave urban energy or coastal warmth, keep looking.