El Infiernito

El Infiernito is a pre-Columbian Muisca archaeological site in Boyacá Department, Colombia, known for its field of upright limestone columns and ceremonial alignments. The site is interpreted as having served astronomical and ritual functions for the Muisca people.

The visible remains include dozens of upright stone monoliths set in planned arrangements alongside burial mounds and low earthen platforms. The patterning of stones and the presence of tombs make the site an important example of Muisca ceremonial architecture and archaeoastronomy.

El Infiernito was created and used by the Muisca culture before the Spanish conquest, as part of their ritual landscape. Archaeological work has identified the site as a place for ceremonies linked to agricultural cycles and celestial observations.

The site is situated a short distance north of the colonial town of Villa de Leyva in Boyacá, on an open highland plain. It is easily reached by road from Villa de Leyva and is often combined with other nearby archaeological and natural attractions.

• Proximity to Villa de Leyva: Located a few kilometres north of Villa de Leyva, the site is commonly visited together with the colonial town as a half-day outing.

What to See #

• Monolith field and alignments: Field of upright stone monoliths and arranged alignments that served ceremonial and astronomical purposes, set in an open plain with nearby burial mounds and terraces.
• Burial mounds and platforms: Associated burial mounds and low platforms that formed part of the site's ritual and funerary complex.