Monument to the Battle of Los Horcones: location, history and how to visit
The Monument to the Battle of Los Horcones is one of the essential historic sites of Lara state and the Morán Municipality. It commemorates the patriot victory of July 22, 1813, a decisive chapter of the Admirable Campaign of Simón Bolívar. Here we tell you exactly where it is, what each element of the monument means and how to plan the visit.
Location
The monument is located in the Los Horcones sector, next to the Quíbor-El Tocuyo national highway, right in the Tocuyo valley.
- State: Lara
- Municipality: Morán
- Sector: Los Horcones (between Quíbor and El Tocuyo)
- Distance from El Tocuyo: approximately 15 km
- Distance from Quíbor: approximately 20 km
- Distance from Barquisimeto: approximately 50 km
- Access: directly from the highway, there is a parking area.
What does it commemorate?
The monument honors the Battle of Los Horcones of July 22, 1813, decisive patriot victory during the Admirable Campaign led by Simón Bolívar and commanded in the field by Colonel Atanasio Girardot. The battle opened the way to Barquisimeto and, finally, to Caracas, where Bolívar was proclaimed Liberator on August 6, 1813.
→ Read the complete summary of the battle
Description of the monument
The monument is a commemorative obelisk surrounded by a civic space with:
- Central obelisk with plaques alluding to the battle, Bolívar and Girardot.
- Paved plaza for civic and military events.
- Flag mast where the Venezuelan flag flies.
- Explanatory plaque with historical data of the battle.
- Gardens and green areas around.
The complex was inaugurated during the 20th century — after several reforms and restorations — to offer a dignified space for public commemoration.
Meaning and symbolism
The monument symbolizes:
- Civic-military unity between New Granada and Venezuelan patriots.
- The sacrifice and heroism of the soldiers fallen in the battle.
- The decisive role of Lara state in Venezuela's independence.
- The example of Atanasio Girardot, young hero who died a few months later in Bárbula.
- The military leadership of Simón Bolívar in the Admirable Campaign.
Commemorations
Every July 22, the date of the battle, civic events are held at the monument with the presence of:
- Mayor's office of Morán Municipality.
- Government of Lara state.
- Military authorities.
- Students of schools and lyceums.
- Cultural and patriotic associations.
Flags are raised, anthems are performed, historical speeches are given and, on occasions, civic recreations of the battle are carried out.
How to get there
Own vehicle (recommended)
From El Tocuyo: take the national highway towards Quíbor and, after approximately 15 km, you will find the monument on the right side (signposted).
From Quíbor: take the highway towards El Tocuyo. The monument will appear on the left side after about 20 km.
From Barquisimeto: included in the Barquisimeto-Quíbor-El Tocuyo route. → Complete guide: how to get to El Tocuyo from Barquisimeto.
Public transport
There is service of shared taxis and buses that cover the route. Ask the driver to drop you off at "Los Horcones" or "the monument" and they will leave you at the point.
Visit recommendations
- Bring water and sunscreen (it is a sunny area).
- Good footwear for walking around the plaza.
- Respect as it is a historical-patriotic site.
- Camera to capture the obelisk and the valley landscape.
- Do not park on the road (use the designated area).
- Visit in the morning for better light and less heat.
Combination with other visits
The monument combines very well in a historic route of one day that includes:
- Arriving from Barquisimeto via Quíbor.
- Stopping at the Los Horcones Monument.
- Continuing to El Tocuyo (15 km).
- Visiting the historic center (Plaza Bolívar, matrix Church, convent ruins, colonial museum).
- Eating typical food (mute, broth, Tocuyo bread).
- Return via Quíbor (crafts and Carora's Plaza Bolívar).
→ See 12 tourist places of Morán Municipality
Why visit it
The Los Horcones Monument is not just a stone on the side of the highway: it is living national memory, a place where part of Venezuela's future was decided. It is required reading for every Venezuelan student and an essential stop for any visitor interested in independence, military history or the civic heritage of Lara state.
→ Summary of the battle | Complete history of the Battle of Los Horcones