Sleepy Mompos (or Mompox), a UNESCO world heritage site founded in 1540, is one of Colombia's most beautiful colonial towns. The rows of white washed one storey colonial building have been used as a backdrop to many Colombian films and soap operas (novelas). The town looks much as it did hundreds of years ago - it's isolation means that little has changed. Momphos is an excellent place to buy gold and silver jewellery, and during Easter week (Semana Santa) the town is packed out for traditional processions - book well in advance if you visit during Semana Santa. . Scenic boat trips along the Rio Magdalena can be arranged locally.
Hotels in Mompos that you might consider include the newly opened Casa Amarilla, Hostal Dona Manuela (supposedly the best hotel in Mompos, this converted colonial building has 20 rooms with air con and a swimming pool), Residencias Aurora, Residencias Union, Hotel Villa de Mompox, Casa Hotel San Andrés and La Casona Hotel. As the town is quite hot and humid, try to book a hotel with air conditioning.
Mompox is remote, which is part of the reason that it is so enchanting. From Cartegena, it's an eight hour overland plus ferry trip (from Magangue) to visit. From Bogota, it's 16 hours by bus. In 2009, a new highway should open assisting travel to Mompox.
See the video of Mompox for an idea of what this town is like.
