Bogota, the bustling capital of Colombia, is a city that has a lot to offer visitors. With its rich cultural heritage, lively nightlife, and delicious cuisine, Bogota is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Colombia. But if you’re looking to escape the city and explore the country’s stunning countryside, you’re in luck. There are plenty of day trips from Bogota that will take you to charming towns, breathtaking natural wonders, and historical sites.
Colombia’s countryside is full of hidden gems that are waiting to be explored, and day trips from Bogota offer a great opportunity to see some of the best that the country has to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, there’s a day trip from Bogota that’s perfect for you. From the underground Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira to the picturesque colonial town of Villa de Leyva to the stunning La Chorrera Waterfall, these day trips will leave you with unforgettable memories of Colombia’s beauty and hospitality. In this article, we’ll be sharing the 15 best day trips from Bogota, so you can plan your next adventure and experience the best that Colombia’s countryside has to offer.
Zipaquira and the Salt Cathedral
Zipaquira is a small town that’s home to an underground Salt Cathedral, which is a marvel of engineering and faith. The cathedral is carved out of a salt mine and features stunning sculptures and artwork. The dimly lit tunnels lead you through fourteen stations of the cross before reaching the cathedral itself. The underground cathedral has a magnificent vaulted ceiling that’s covered in salt crystals and colorful lighting that gives it an otherworldly ambiance. The cathedral is an excellent place to visit for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to see something unique and awe-inspiring.
Villa de Leyva
Villa de Leyva is a charming colonial town located about three hours from Bogota. The town’s cobbled streets, colonial architecture, and beautiful plaza make it a popular destination for tourists. The town is also surrounded by the beautiful Andean hills, which are perfect for hiking and biking. There are plenty of outdoor activities to do in Villa de Leyva, including horseback riding, mountain biking, and hot air balloon rides. The town is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, with plenty of art galleries, museums, and cultural events.
Guatavita
Guatavita is a small town located about two hours from Bogota. The town is known for its beautiful lake and rich history. According to legend, the lake is where the Muisca people held their sacred rituals, including the coronation of the tribal chief. The town is also known for its beautiful landscape, which is surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake or hike around it to enjoy the stunning views.
La Chorrera Waterfall
The La Chorrera Waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in Colombia, located about an hour and a half from Bogota. The hike to the waterfall is challenging, but the reward is worth it. Visitors can admire the stunning natural beauty of the waterfall, which drops over 500 feet into a rocky pool. The surrounding forest is also full of wildlife, including exotic birds and monkeys.
Suesca
Suesca is a small town located about an hour and a half from Bogota. The town is famous for its rock climbing, with dozens of routes that attract climbers from around the world. The town is also a great place to go hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. Visitors can also explore the town’s colonial architecture and enjoy the local food, which is famous for its unique flavors and traditional dishes.
Nemocon Salt Mine
The Nemocon Salt Mine is another underground cathedral that’s worth visiting. The mine is located about an hour and a half from Bogota and features an underground lake, tunnels, and stunning salt formations. Visitors can explore the mine’s various chambers and learn about the history and importance of salt mining in Colombia.
Nemocón
Nemocón is a small town located about an hour and a half from Bogota. The town is known for its underground salt cathedral, which features stunning salt sculptures and artwork. Visitors can explore the underground chambers and learn about the history of salt mining in the region. The town is also known for its beautiful colonial architecture and local handicrafts.
Cajica
Cajica is a charming town located just 30 minutes from Bogota. The town is known for its colonial architecture, beautiful parks, and delicious food. Visitors can explore the town’s main square, which is surrounded by historic buildings, and enjoy the local cuisine, which features traditional dishes like tamales and empanadas.
Sopo
Sopo is a small town located about an hour from Bogota. The town is known for its outdoor activities including paragliding, mountain biking, and hiking. Visitors can take in the stunning views of the Andean mountains and enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty of the area. Sopo is also home to a beautiful botanical garden, which features over 2,000 plant species.
Fusagasuga
Fusagasuga is a town located about two hours from Bogota. The town is known for its beautiful parks, hot springs, and hiking trails. Visitors can relax in the town’s natural hot springs, which are said to have therapeutic properties. The town is also surrounded by the Andean mountains, which offer plenty of hiking opportunities. Visitors can enjoy the town’s traditional cuisine, which features dishes like ajiaco, a hearty soup made with chicken and potatoes.
Guasca
Guasca is a small town located about an hour from Bogota. The town is known for its beautiful countryside, hiking trails, and delicious food. Visitors can explore the town’s colonial architecture and take in the stunning views of the Andean mountains. The town is also famous for its traditional cuisine, which features dishes like trout cooked in a clay oven and empanadas filled with beef or chicken.
Tocancipá
Tocancipá is a town located about an hour from Bogota. The town is known for its adventure activities, including zip-lining and rock climbing. Visitors can enjoy the adrenaline rush of zip-lining through the Andean mountains or climbing the town’s impressive rock formations. Tocancipá is also famous for its local cuisine, which features dishes like lechona, a traditional Colombian pork dish.
Chicaque National Park
Chicaque National Park is located about an hour and a half from Bogota. The park is a great place to go hiking and birdwatching, with over 300 bird species found in the area. Visitors can hike through the park’s lush forests and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The park also features a lookout point, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Andean mountains and the city of Bogota.
Laguna de Guatavita
Laguna de Guatavita is a lake located about two hours from Bogota. The lake is famous for being the site where the legend of El Dorado originated. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake and learn about the history and significance of the Muisca people’s rituals. The surrounding landscape is also stunning, with beautiful mountains and forests.
Choachi
Choachi is a small town located about an hour from Bogota. The town is known for its hot springs, which are said to have healing properties. Visitors can relax in the town’s natural hot springs and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The town is also famous for its traditional cuisine, which features dishes like sancocho, a hearty soup made with chicken and plantains.
Conclusion Bogota’s surrounding countryside is full of hidden gems waiting to be explored. These 15 day trips offer a glimpse into Colombia’s stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. From underground cathedrals to beautiful colonial towns to breathtaking natural wonders, these day trips are sure to leave visitors with unforgettable memories of Colombia’s beauty and hospitality.
FAQs
How far is Zipaquira from Bogota?
Zipaquira is about an hour’s drive from Bogota.
What is the La Chorrera waterfall?
The La Chorrera waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in Colombia, located about an hour and a half from Bogota.
What is the legend of El Dorado?
The legend of El Dorado is a story about a Muisca tribal chief who would cover himself in gold dust and jump into a lake to offer treasures to the gods.
What activities can I do in Suesca?
Suesca is known for its rock climbing, but it’s also a great place for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
How far is Fusagasuga from Bogota?
Fusagasuga is about two hours from Bogota by car.
