Traditional Games Tour

Tejo has its origins in the region of Turmequé, Boyacá, known as the birthplace of this Colombian national sport. Originally called “turmequé,” the game was practiced by the Muisca indigenous people long before the arrival of the colonizers. In its ancestral form, the objective was not gunpowder, but a golden ring. Over time, it evolved into the modern format we know today, maintaining its cultural essence and competitive spirit.

Tejo is not just a game but also a cultural legacy that represents Colombia’s rich historical and social heritage.

1. Tejo
   Description: It consists of throwing a metal disc (tejo) at a bocín filled with mechas (small bags of gunpowder) to make them explode. It is the national sport and has indigenous origins in the region of Turmequé, Boyacá.
   Featured Region: Boyacá and Cundinamarca.

2. Rana
   Description: Metal chips are thrown toward a table with holes; the highest score is achieved by inserting the chips into the mouth of a metal frog. It is a game of precision and aim.
   Featured Region: Very popular throughout the country.

3. Trompo
   Description: A wooden top with a metal tip is wound with a string and thrown to make it spin. Players compete to perform tricks or keep the top spinning longer.
   Featured Region: All regions.

4. Canicas
   Description: Players throw small glass spheres to hit those of their opponents and score points. It is a classic game among children.
   Featured Region: All regions.

5. Yermis (or Quemado)Description: Two teams face off by throwing a ball to hit players on the opposing team. The objective is to “burn” opponents by eliminating them from the game. Featured Region: Very common in schools and neighborhoods.

The tejo generally weighs between 1.5 and 2 kg, depending on the level of competition and the rules of the place where it is played. For recreational games, the weight may be lighter to facilitate the participation of beginners and children. In official competitions, the weight and size are regulated according to sports standards.

Tejo is a traditional Colombian game that combines skill, strength, and strategy, making it a cultural symbol of the country. It is played by throwing metal discs, called tejos, at a target known as the bocín, located in an area of clay. The goal is to get the tejo into the bocín, where small bags of gunpowder, called mechas, are placed, which explode when hit.

Points are awarded as follows:

• Moñona (6 points): The tejo lands inside the bocín.

• Mecha (3 points): The tejo makes a mecha explode.

• Arrime (1 point): The tejo lands closer to the bocín than the opponents’ tejos.

The game is fun, competitive, and often accompanied by typical drinks and food, especially in regions like Boyacá and Cundinamarca.

This tour is not suitable for children; the activity is designed for adults who can enjoy the game safely and appropriately.