Discover Las Mercedes

In Las Mercedes, the main campus of the Institución Educativa técnica Mercedes Capilla is located in Vereda Las Mercedes, near Pico Cerro Gordo. The school is rural, public, and academically focused.

The school’s location in Las Mercedes

The main campus of the Institución Educativa técnica Mercedes Capilla is located in Vereda Las Mercedes, near Pico Cerro Gordo. An unpaved road with difficult access leads from the town center of Guamo to the school. As road conditions can change, check the condition of the route before planning a trip to the school site.

Handicrafts and culture in Guamo

The Ruta del Artesano in Guamo leads to workshops in Barrio El Carmen. There, visitors can experience demonstrations of handicraft activities, weaving techniques, and the processing of palm leaves into finished pieces. The knowledge is passed down from generation to generation. In this way, the route connects the practical work in the workshops with the region’s cultural, historical, and creative heritage. If you are interested in handicrafts, both the individual steps and the passing on of skills are at the heart of the experience.

You can find other handicraft-related themes in the names and descriptions of Guamo’s attractions: the Talleres de Palma Real are also located in Barrio El Carmen. The Centro Artesanal de La Chamba is described as the “cradle of Tolima pottery.” At the Centro Artesanal de Chipuelo, clay and the memory of the area are defining themes.

History and other attractions

Parroquia El Carmen is an emblematic church in Barrio El Carmen in Guamo. It was founded in 1991 and is located on the left bank of Quebrada Emaya. Another historical landmark is Piedra de Bolívar in Barrio Pablo VI: it was erected in 1883 and commemorates the passage of the Libertador Simón Bolívar through the municipality during the struggle for independence. The dates mark different aspects of local history—the founding of the church and the commemoration of an event from the struggle for independence.

Other tourist attractions in Guamo include Malecón de La Chamba – Puerto Los Chapetones and Parque de la Cultura – Santa Bárbara. Parque Simón Bolívar is described as “the heart of Guamo.” Antigua Estación del Ferrocarril is connected with Tolima’s railway history, while Puente Colgante de Tablas Calicanto bears the designation “living heritage.” Museo Arqueológico Marco Fidel Micolta – Casa de la Cultura is also a museum in Guamo. The names point to different themes: public spaces, railway history, a place described as living heritage, and an archaeological museum. Other attractions include Parroquia Santa Ana – Faith, history and resilience, and Monumento al Campesino – Identity and gratitude.

Make your choice based on whether Las Mercedes itself or a stay focused on Guamo’s handicrafts and history is your priority.

Discover more destinations: Valle De San Juan, Chicoral, Los Geranios, San Antonio, Mariquita, Venadillo, Guamo, Guadalajara

For the main travel overview: Tolima.