Are you planning a trip to Colombia? Then you can’t miss the experience of exploring some charming villages to discover Colombian ruanas.
When talking about Colombian ruanas, most people immediately think of Boyacá, and in particular the beautiful town of Nobsa.
Boyacá’s ruanas are today a highly valued and widely recognized product, not only in Colombia but also abroad.
In fact, a few years ago a post went viral on Instagram when Hollywood actor Jason Momoa, famous for his role as Aquaman, appeared wearing a stunning ruana crafted by artisans from Iza (Boyacá) on a loom more than 80 years old.
However, Cundinamarca also has charming villages to discover Colombian ruanas, with a deeply rooted artisanal tradition, especially in garments made of virgin wool.
In these picturesque towns, just a short drive from Bogotá, tradition and craftsmanship come together to create one of the country’s most iconic garments.
Each ruana tells the story of generations of artisans who have kept alive the art of weaving virgin wool into warmth, identity, and culture.
Within the Province of Ubaté, just a few hours from Bogotá, you’ll find several towns where talented artisans keep this heritage alive and where you can admire and purchase beautiful ruanas of virgin wool.
What types of wool are used to weave ruanas?
In the market you’ll find ruanas made from different kinds of fibers, both natural and synthetic. For this article, we’ll focus on natural wool.
Sheep wool
Sheep wool comes from shearing the fleece of sheep, a keratin fiber that covers their bodies. This wool has qualities that make it especially attractive in the textile industry.
Thanks to its thermal insulation, it is ideal for cold weather, while its resistance and elasticity provide durability to the garments woven with it.
Merino Wool
Merino wool comes from the shearing of Merino sheep, a domestic breed with very fine and soft fleece.
Garments made from Merino wool are remarkably soft to touch and have the additional property of not retaining odors.
Thanks to its thermoregulating qualities, Merino wool clothing can be worn both in cold and warm climates.
Alpaca wool
Alpaca wool is obtained from alpacas, native to the high Andes. The softness of this fiber makes it perfect for creating high-quality garments.
Although light, it provides great warmth, which is why it is mostly used in winter wear. Its main characteristic is that it is hypoallergenic, as it contains no lanolin.
It is also naturally available in a variety of shades—white, gray, brown, and black—which reduces the need for dyeing.
What does “virgin wool” mean?
When we speak of garments or virgin wool ruanas, we refer to pieces made from wool taken directly from the sheep’s fleece, without any processing or recycling.
This type of wool allows garments to have excellent thermal properties, as it provides insulation against cold while absorbing moisture.
Virgin wool is also considered a sustainable natural fiber since it is renewable—thanks to the continuous growth of wool on sheep—and biodegradable.
5 beautiful towns to find Colombian ruanas
If you’re planning a weekend getaway near Bogotá, the Province of Ubaté awaits you.
Here are some of the charming villages to discover Colombian ruanas, each with its own stories, landscapes, and artisans who preserve this legacy.
Sutatausa: the charm of hand-spun wool
Nestled in the mountains, Sutatausa keeps alive the ancestral art of wool spinning and weaving.
About two hours from Bogotá, this town has made wool an essential part of its identity.
One of the most prominent names here is Luz María Rodríguez, who inherited her passion for spinning from her grandfather and mother.
Committed to preserving tradition and passing it on to new generations, she helped create the Tejilarte Festival, first held in 2018.
Even during the pandemic, Tejilarte continued virtually, gathering artisans who still spin wool with spindles and weave on family looms.
The festival became so important that in 2021 it was institutionalized by the Departmental Assembly through Ordinance 062.
Visiting Sutatausa is not only about ruanas—it’s also about cultural richness and breathtaking scenery, from the San Juan Bautista doctrinal complex and its striking cliffs to trails decorated with ancient rock art.
Cucunubá: where ruanas burst with color
Cucunubá, about 90 kilometers from Bogotá, is perhaps the most famous village in Cundinamarca for the mastery of its weavers.
Nearly 100 artisans keep alive the tradition of shearing, spinning, dyeing, and weaving on manual looms.
Names like Javier Rojas, María Gloria Pérez, Otoniel del Río, and William Contreras are recognized guardians of this craft.
For years, Festilana was the event that showcased their work to the world, later followed by Expolana, which now provides a platform for artisans to exhibit their creations, perform live demonstrations, and share the festive atmosphere filled with campesino music.
In its colonial streets, you’ll find shops and workshops where traditional Colombian ruanas made from virgin wool fill the windows with vibrant colors alongside scarves, ponchos, and blankets.
Carmen de Carupa: creativity in every loom
About 97 kilometers from Bogotá, Carmen de Carupa is a town where virgin wool is transformed into designs that blend tradition with creativity.
Here stands out María Delfina Molina de Vanegas, a sheep breeder, artisan, and designer whose memorable ruanas combine ancestral techniques with contemporary artistry.
Alongside her, Inés Arévalo has led a group of 30 weavers and promoted the Vitrina Artesanal, encouraging new generations to embrace this craft.
In July 2025, the event “Flor de Lana, Moda Carupana” showcased the beauty and elegance of ruanas and wool garments produced here, confirming Carmen de Carupa as a true artisan hub in the province.
Tausa: ruanas that emerge from the highlands
At 2,950 meters above sea level, Tausa blends ancestral heritage with modern creativity.
Nearly 50 women form the Artesanas Asociadas de Tausa (ARASTA), producing ruanas, sweaters, hats, and scarves with crochet, looms, embroidery, and knitting.
Though Tausa lacks its own artisan fair, its art was highlighted at Expoartesanías 2024, where the collection “Somos Cosecha” reflected identity, sustainability, and memory woven into every piece.
Located just 68 kilometers from Bogotá, Tausa is a beautiful village, accessible via the Zipaquirá–Neusa route in about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Guachetá: weaving amidst mining traditions (H3)
Better known for its mining activity, Guachetá also nurtures textile traditions. In its workshops, ruanas continue to be woven, connecting the community with its rural roots.
Artisan Alba Esneda Rodríguez Páez has worked through the local School of Arts, guiding new generations of weavers.
While Guachetá does not yet have a dedicated wool festival, artisan parades and cultural events often feature the creativity of its young craftspeople.
About three hours from Bogotá, Guachetá is reached via the Autopista Norte through Ubaté.
Everything you need to know about Colombian ruanas
What is a Colombian ruana?
The Colombian ruana is a traditional Andean garment, similar to a poncho but open in the front.
Made from sheep’s wool, it protects against the cold while symbolizing the cultural identity of the Andean people.
How is virgin wool obtained and turned into a ruana?
The process begins with shearing, followed by washing and drying the fleece. The fibers are then carded, spun with spindles into continuous threads, twisted, and finally woven on looms to create ruanas that combine durability with artistry.
What is the best way to wash a virgin wool ruana?
The best way is by hand in lukewarm water with neutral soap. Avoid twisting or direct sun exposure; lay it flat to dry.
How can you prevent wool from shrinking?
Keep the water temperature constant and avoid sudden movements. Wool shrinks when exposed to drastic changes in temperature or when wrung out.
Is it possible to remove the natural smell of sheep’s wool?
Yes. Soak the garment in lukewarm water with a little white vinegar for half an hour, then rinse gently. This neutralizes odors without damaging the fiber.
What are the advantages of sheep’s wool?
Sheep’s wool is naturally insulating, breathable, hypoallergenic, biodegradable, and highly durable. That’s why virgin wool ruanas are not only warm but also sustainable.
Is it healthy to wear wool?
Yes. Wool regulates body temperature, wicks away moisture, and ensures comfort even in cold climates.
Exploring the charming villages to discover Colombian ruanas in Cundinamarca is much more than a shopping trip—it’s a journey into history, tradition, and mountain landscapes.
Each ruana reflects the patient work of artisans who weave not only fibers but also cultural identity.
And after a day immersed in culture, landscapes, and textiles, there’s no better place to rest than the Hotel Boutique Sumangá, nestled in Sutatausa.
Facing the imposing cliffs, this romantic and pet-friendly refuge offers the warmth and hospitality of the region, making your trip a complete experience that unites tradition, nature, and comfort.