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Bogota is a maze made of steels, paved roads, and parks. To discover its hidden treasures, you have to know the interesting districts. Fortunately, many companies offer fantastic Bogota tours to convince the visitors that the capital is a lot more than a cold and sad capital.
The major asset of the city is a large number of weekend and day trips from Bogota. From anywhere, travelers can admire the majestic Andean mountains. And among the valleys, there are many secret places to explore. Listen the dashing of water against the rocks from huge waterfalls, wander among magical landscapes in the national parks and discover authentic colonial towns.
In this article, I tell you about:
- The different weekend trips and day trips from Bogota
- The best Bogota excursions and sightseeing trip
- How to get there and for how much
- How long you should stay
1. The Waterfalls La Chorrera And Salto De Tequendama
Credit: @Colombianotcolumbia
Colombia is a paradise for waterfall lovers. The Andean mountains cover an important proportion of the country. Hence, torrents of water run down the peaks before jumping from high cliffs. Some are unbelievable. And I bet my last Kinder Bueno that you won’t dare to get inside the giant shower.
La Chorrera is the highest interrupted waterfall in Colombia. 590 m! Do you imagine? It’s like if a dude from Dubai was watering people from the last Burj Khalifa’s floor. After a short drive with a local bus, travelers have to cross an eerie cloud forest – take your rain jacket – to appreciate the show. Follow muddy trails and explore a place off the beaten path! Don’t worry; it’s well indicated.
Credit: @kyl_cnly
Salto de Tequendama is easier to access. You just have to walk a few meters after the bus stop. A massive and mysterious scary hotel reconverted into a museum faces the cursed waterfall. Indeed, the story says that hundreds of people came to jump and disappear forever, the dead bodies carried by the strong currents. Plus, the water is extremely polluted, and strong rotten-egg odor spread around the visitors. Ok, it’s maybe no the best day trip from Bogota. But it could be loads of fun ^^ – I haven’t been yet.
Ready for a damp day trip from Bogota?
Information day trip from Bogota: La Chorerra and Salto de Tequendama
How to travel to La Chorerra from Bogota (+)
- Take the bus direction Choachi around the corner of Calle 6 con Carrera 14 (Near the Police Station). Tell the driver you want to go to La Chorerra.
- Bus Bogota – La Chorerra: 1 hour / 12 500 COP – 1 Way
- You have to walk the 5 km to the entrance: 1h30
- Hike from the entrance to La Chorrera: 1 hour
- Entrance fee:
- 15 000 COP
- + 10 000 COP for a guide (Not mandatory)
- It’s a long day trip from Bogota, you should leave early
- More information
How long to visit la Chorera from Bogota (+)
You need 7-8 hours for this day trip from Bogota
Credit: @kyl_cnly
How to travel to Salto de Tequendama from Bogota (+)
- Take the bus direction Mesitas near the Transmilenio station San Mateo. Tell the driver you want to go to Salto de Tequendama
- Bus Bogota – Salto de Tequendama: 30 min / 5 000 COP
- More information about the mystery around this waterfall
In both cases, you just have to wave the driver to take the bus back to Bogota. Welcome to Colombia 😉
How long to visit Salto de Tequendama from Bogota (+)
You need at least 3-4 hours for this day trip from Bogota
Credit: idcolombia_
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2. The Salt Cathedrals: Zipaquira And Nemocon
As far as I know, there are only two countries where you can visit Salt Cathedrals: Colombia and Poland. Be a miner was an insanely dangerous and difficult job. To increase their chance of survival, they use to give offerings to deities or saints – Did you hear about El Tio in Potosi, Bolivia?
Back in the 5th century BCE, the Muiscas – Famous indigenous – were already working in the mines of Zapaquira. Salt isn’t only a taste enhancer. It was the best method to preserve the meats from bacteria proliferation. Muiscas became wealthy and powerful thanks to the salt mines.
Around 1930, the Colombian government built the first underground church, dedicated to the Saint Lady of Rosary – The Miner’s big boss. Since the first inauguration improvements have been made.
Credit: @nicky.adventures
Keep reading about Zipaquira and Nemocon (+)
The travelers can quickly get to Zipaquira with the public transports. The salt mine is 5 min away from the center. There are tours in Spanish or English starting every 20-30 min. Inside, naves, marble sculptures and huge crosses are enlightened by mysterious dark blue lights.
The site is impressive. Unfortunately, the ambiance can be spoiled by hundreds of visitors. Then, it looks more like Disneyland.
But, there is another Salt Cathedral! A less famous and cheaper one. Nemocon is not as glam than Zipaquira, so you won’t get the same “Whaou” effect. However, you’ll get a better authentic experience.
If you are a crazy salt mine lover, you can do both during the same day trip from Bogota. But you should start early!
In Nemocon, tours are only in Spanish.
Stingy Nomads helps you to choose between Zipaquira and Nemocon
Information day trip from Bogota: Zipaquira and Nemocon
How to travel to Zipaquira from Bogota (+)
- Take the Transmilenio (Bus) or a taxi to Portal del Norte (Bus station)
- From Portal del Norte, take the bus in the direction of Zipaquira: 45 min / 5000 COP – 1 way
- Follow the signs and walk 10 mins to arrive at the entrance
How to travel to Nemocon from Bogota (+)
- Take the bus from the main terminal (Salitre) in the direction of Nemocon
- Counter 3 | Every 30 min
- Bus Salitre terminal to Nemocon: 2h / 6300 COP
Or you can take the bus from Portal del Norte – Direct bus or a change in Zipaquira
- Bus from Portal del Norte (Bogota) to Zipaquira: 45 min / 5000 COP – 1 way
- Bus Zipaquira – Nemocon: 25 min / 3000 COP
- In case you don’t have a direct bus to Nemocon, tell the driver that you want to go to Nemocon. He should drop you near the bus stop.
How long to visit the Salt Cathedrals from Bogota (+)
You need at least 7 – 8 hours for this day trip from Bogota
Credit: @f.jorge09
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3. Bogota hiking trips To The National Parks Sumapaz and Chingaza
The 58 National parks of Colombia cover more than 11% of the territory. These protected areas are a paradise for nature lovers.
Around Bogota, travelers can wander into a surprising new environment, called Los Paramos. It is a specific biome that occurs mainly in the Colombian Andes. To put it in simple terms, it’s the tundra/tussock grass/wetland between the timberline and the snowline. The view and landscapes are astonishing.
The Paramos are usually above 3 000 meters sea levels. You should be in a good fit and already acclimated if you plan to hike for days in the Andean mountains. Also, because of a high humidity rate, paramos are an important reserve of freshwater for the country. The weather can suddenly change, so don’t forget your raincoat and sunscreen. Also, rubber boots are the best.
Keep reading about Chingaza and Sumapaz (+)
Chingaza is located Northeast of Bogota. It’s the principal natural reservoir water of the capital. There are 5 trails authorized for the visitors, and a guide is not obligatory. However, there is no public transport going to the 3 access points, and you should fill an entrance request 15 days before the intended visit day. Moreover, the paths are unclear => It’s better to book a tour.
Sumapaz is the largest Paramo in the world, located 2 hours south of Bogota. The national park is closed to the public, but tours are leaving from the capital. They bring the visitors to different lagoons as Laguna Los Tunjos. It’s an important reserve for Colombia’s wildlife and an excellent playground for bird lovers.
Credit: @Caritophoto1
Information day trip from Bogota: Chingaza and Sumapaz
How to get to travel to Chingaza from Bogota (+)
- There is no public transport – 2 Hours by private transport
- You can book a tour with a travel agency in Bogota
- Andes Ecotours
- There is a camping zone in Monterredondo and cabañas
- More information about Chingaza
- You have to pay the entrance fee – Around 50 000 COP
How long to explore Chingaza from Bogota (+)
You need at least 8 – 10 hours for this day trip from Bogota
How to travel to Sumapaz from Bogota (+)
- Take the Transmilenio to Usme then a public transport to the access point. However, It seems the park has been closed to the public since a few years ago.
- But you can book a tour with a travel agency in Bogota
- Andes Ecotours
- 2 hours drive from Bogota with a private car – 1 way
How long to explore Sumapaz from Bogota (+)
You need at least 7 – 8 hours for this day trip from Bogota
Credit: @camographer
Don’t forget to check out our Map of Colombia to find your next destination!
4. Outdoor Climbing In Suesca & The Mysterious Guatavita Lake
Credit: @tatan.delgado
Travelers don’t stop in Suesca for visiting the colonial streets or the church. No, they come here because it’s a paradise for outdoor climbing.
A cliff of 4 km long offers more than 400 routes with different level of difficulties. Las Rocas de Suesca is situated 1 km before the entrance of the village. Along the road, the visitors stop at the climbing agency to rent the pieces of equipment or book a tour. Then, they have to follow the railway on the left to arrive at the foot of the cliffs. On their way back, the survivors can savor a delicious pizza before going back to Bogota.
Even if a day trip from Bogota is doable, I would recommend staying 1 or 2 nights in one of the hostels around. And if you travel on a shoestring budget, there is also a large campsite just in front Las Rocas de Suesca.
Moreover, you are near the Guatativa lake. This place was sacred for the Muiscas – Indigenous – and they used to bury some golden artifacts all around during the ceremonies. The Spaniards heard about it during the colonization, and they tried for hundreds of years to empty the lake. Without success. Without gold. With tears and blood.
Do you know the legend of El Eldorado? It all begins with the Guatavita lake!
Information day trip from Bogota: Suesca and Guatavita Lake
How to travel to Suesca from Bogota (+)
- Take the Transmilenio (Bus) or a taxi to Portal del Norte (Bus station)
- Take the bus to Suesca but tell the driver you want to stop at Las Rocas de Suesca: 1 hour / 6700 COP
Or you can take the bus from main terminal (Salitre)
- Bus Bogota – Suesca: 2 hours / 6700 COP
- Counter 3
I used the agency El Nomada for my first rock climbing experience – Equipment and insurance included:
- 2 hours: 70 000 COP
- 4 hours: 95 000 COP
How long you should stay in Suesca (+)
Between rock climbing, biking, and the Guatavita lake, you won’t be bored. A day trip from Bogota is doable, but I would recommend staying 1 night if you have the time
- Number of days I recommend: 2 days
Where to sleep in Suesca (+)
- El Nomada is a house transformed into a hostel with a big garden. It belongs to the climbing agency of the same name
- El Descanso is a charming and quiet hostel near the restaurants.
- The camping – You have to follow the railway in the direction of Las Rocas de Suesca
- El Niddo is a luxury Glamping located 45 min away by car. Once there, you have everything you need to spend an excellent moment. They offer rock climbing, downhill biking, food, SPA, and more!
Credit: K_juliparada
How to get to Guatavita lake from Bogota (+)
Many tours offer the possibility to visit the Guatavita Lake. You can book it from Bogota or Suesca. But, you also can get there on public transport:
- Take the Transmilenio (Bus) or a taxi to Portal del Norte (Bus station)
- Take the bus to Guatavita but tell the driver you want to stop at Laguna Guatavita: 1h30 / 9000 COP
- Then you have to walk the 7 km to arrive at the entrance or take a private transport for 60 000 COP (in total). Or you can smile and hitchhike.
- Entrance fee: 17 000 COP – With a tour guide
- Schedule time: Tuesday to Sunday – 8h30 am to 4h00 pm
More information about Laguna Guativita (In Spanish)
Credit: @walkingwherever_
5. Visiting The colonial town of Mongui and hiking the Paramo de Oceta
Mongui another place to visit near Bogota. It’s a lovely colonial town with the classic combo cobblestone streets, a vast main square, and churches. The village isn’t on the Gringo highway, so you won’t meet many foreigners.
From the center, nature lovers can follow the trail going beyond the first mountains. The hike leads the adventurers above 4000 m sea level to admire the breathtaking sceneries of Paramo de Oceta. Moreover, there are petroglyphs and a lagoon on the way up.
Credit: @Monyiyo
Be careful, it’s not an easy hike (more than 1000 m of difference in level), and locals recommend to take a guide. Here is an explanation to do it without a guide
Fun fact, Mongui is the best place to find homemade traditional soccer balls. Shops sell them everywhere in the center.
Information weekend trip from Bogota: Mongui
How to get to Mongui from Bogota (+)
- Take the bus from the main terminal (Salitre) to Sogamoso: 3-4 hours / 25 000 COP
- Bus Sogamoso – Mongui: 1 hour / 3 800 COP
How long you should stay in Mongui (+)
Mongui has been elected Most beautiful village in Boyaca. Visit the different historical sites, the ballon factories and hike to the Paramo de Oceta. It’s a perfect weekend trip from Bogota
During your trip to Mongui, you can add a stop in Sogamoso to visit the Tota lagoon.
- Number of days I recommend: 3 days
6. A Romantic Weekend Trip to Villa De Leyva
Villa de Leyva is a perfect getaway to escape from the big city of Bogota. Among the uneven cobblestone streets, the flourish parks offer ideal places to rest during the afternoon. People sit on benches or on the grass, beneath shady trees to savor a fresh-baked bread. At night, locals meet on the large main square to share a Pola – Bogota’s slang for beer.
Many trails are starting from town to explore the surrounding and admire the city from above. And for the bravest, they can hike to El Paramo de Iguaque.
There also is an archaeological museum, somewhat disappointing and weird house made of clay that you can visit. It’s called Terracotta house. Don’t hesitate to rent a bike to move around.
Villa de Leyva is well-known in Colombia. Many lovely hotel and delicious restaurants have opened their door to welcome the tourists. Expect to see many visitors in the streets during the weekend.
Information weekend trip from Bogota: Villa de Leyva
How to get to Villa de Leyva from Bogota (+)
- Take the bus from Terminal Satelite del Norte– It’s outside the city, a few minutes away from Portal del Norte
- Bus Bogota – Villa de Leyva
- There are a few direct ones (Reina or Valle de Tenza): 3 hours / 25 000 COP
- If you can’t have them, you have to first go to Tunja then take another bus: 4 hours / 27 000 COP
How long you should stay in Villa de Leyva (+)
Villa de Leyva is a town where it’s delightful to rest and explore the surrounding at his own pace. You won’t feel the essence of the place if you rush.
- Number of days I recommend: 3 days
Where to stay in Villa de Leyva (+)
- Hostal Renacer is a quiet paradise just outside Villa De Leyva. Hammocks & flourish gardens.
- More fantastic accommodations in Villa de Leyva here
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