The Ventanas de Tisquizoque is a large waterfall coming down a series of natural rock formations located in the municipality of Florián, Santander, Colombia. It is named after the "ventanas", which are the local name for the windows or openings in the rocks.
The Ventanas de Tisquizoque were formed by the erosion of the Chicamocha River, which has carved its way through the bedrock over millions of years. The rocks are made of sandstone, and they are about 100 meters (330 feet) tall.
The Muisca people, who were the original inhabitants of the area, believed that the Ventanas de Tisquizoque were a sacred place. They believed that the windows in the rocks were doorways to the spirit world, and that the spirits of their ancestors lived in the caves.
One story tells of a young Muisca woman named Yara who was kidnapped by a Spanish soldier. The soldier took Yara to his camp, but she escaped and fled into the forest. Yara ran until she came to the Ventanas de Tisquizoque. She hid in one of the caves, and the spirits of her ancestors protected her.
The Spanish soldier searched for Yara, but he could not find her. He eventually gave up and returned to his camp. Yara remained in the cave, and she eventually became a shaman. She used her powers to help the Muisca people, and she became a legend.
There is a legend about a Muisca chief who jumped from the Ventanas de Tisquizoque to his death. The story goes that the chief was leading his people in battle against the Spanish conquistadors. The battle was going badly, and the chief knew that he would be captured and killed if he was taken prisoner.
Instead of surrendering, the chief jumped from the Ventanas de Tisquizoque. He fell to his death, but his sacrifice inspired his people to fight on. They eventually defeated the Spanish conquistadors, and the chief's story became a symbol of Muisca resistance.
The legend of the chief who jumped from the Ventanas de Tisquizoque is a reminder of the courage and determination of the Muisca people. It is also a reminder of the importance of protecting sacred places.
The Ventanas de Tisquizoque are popular for hiking, rappelling, and rock climbing. The formations are also a popular spot for photographers, who come to capture the beauty of the natural rock formations.
Here are some other interesting facts about the Ventanas de Tisquizoque:
- The name "Tisquizoque" comes from the Chibcha word "tiquizhco", which means "place of the little windows".
- The Ventanas de Tisquizoque are located at an altitude of 2,200 meters (7,218 feet) above sea level.