With its cobbled historic downtown, fascinating museums, and lively dining and bar scene, Bogotá can keep you busy for days. Once you’ve enjoyed the city’s cultural and historical experiences, consider a day trip to Bogotá’s lush and evergreen hinterland. Here, you’ll find misty cloud forests, quaint towns, striking mountains, and abundant outdoor activities. While most of these destinations can be easily reached on a bus, renting a car can provide you with the flexibility to combine several locations into a one-day or two-day trip.
Here are some of the best short escapes from Bogotá.
1. Visit Zipaquirá and explore a salt mine that’s so big it has its own cathedral
Travel time: 1 hour 30 mins
Zipaquirá is home to one of Colombia’s architectural marvels: a cathedral built in one of the chambers of its massive salt mine, located 90m (295ft) underground. This imposing site offers insights into the history of salt mining, alongside a guided tour that winds through the mine’s corridors.
At the bottom, visitors can find coffee shops and a spa, as well as the excitement of tours where you can swing a pickaxe to “mine” your own salt. Additionally, don’t miss Zipaquirá’s picturesque historical center, filled with delightful restaurants and coffee shops. Sample local craft beers at the Pie de Cumbre Pub or enjoy a modern twist on Colombian cuisine at Labriego.
How to get to Zipaquirá from Bogotá: Use the rapid bus system, Transmilenio, disembarking at the Portal del Norte Station. From there, catch an intermunicipal bus to Zipaquirá and ride a taxi to the salt mine situated on a hill above the town.
2. Get sprayed by Colombia’s tallest waterfall at Parque La Chorrera
Travel time: 1 hour 30 mins
One of the top hiking experiences in Colombia is found in La Chorrera Park, a community-run nature reserve known for its stunning 590m (1900ft) waterfall. The trek to the waterfall’s base involves navigating vibrant farmland and misty cloud forests, including an optional detour to a smaller waterfall.
The entire hiking circuit typically takes about three hours and is best experienced during weekdays to avoid crowds. For extra relaxation, consider spending the night at one of the nearby glamping sites.
How to get to La Chorrera from Bogotá: Catch a bus to Choachi from Transoriente or Transfomeque, both located on Calle 6 with Carrera 15. Request the driver to drop you off at the entrance to La Chorrera, followed by a 4km (2.5 miles) trek along an unpaved road to the park entrance.
3. Contemplate a sacred Muisca site at Laguna de Guatavita
Travel time: 2 hours
Located at 3100m (10,170ft) above sea level, Guatavita Lake is a picturesque spot steeped in Muisca culture. According to historical accounts, ceremonies were held here to celebrate the inauguration of new chieftains, who would offer gold statuettes to the lake’s depths.
Visitors can hike to the cliffs surrounding the lake for panoramic views, and on the way back to Bogotá, you may want to explore the charming town of Guatavita or check out “La Casa Loca,” an amusing upside-down house offering great photo opportunities.
How to get to Guatavita Lake from Bogotá: From the Terminal del Norte bus station, catch a bus towards Guatavita town, which is 12km (7.5 miles) from the lake entrance.
4. Walk up to the chilling edge of a cliff at Piedra Colgada
Travel time: 2 hours
Piedra Colgada, or “the hanging rock,” resembles a turtle’s head protruding from a massive cliff near Susa. Here, visitors can walk to the rocky edge outfitted with safety harnesses, enjoying a daunting view of a 600m (1968ft) drop.
This area also offers stunning viewpoints within a natural reserve near Susa, which is worth a visit for its charming local architecture.
How to get to Piedra Colgada from Bogotá: Take a bus to Chiquinquirá, then request a drop-off at Susa, where you can hire a tuk-tuk or hike to the Piedra Colgada park.
5. Hike through the unique vegetation of the páramos
Travel time: 2 hours
The páramos are cold, high-altitude grasslands located above the cloud forest, storing vital water from the Andes mountains. Home to fascinating wildlife, including small birds and spectacled bears, the area features bizarre plants known as frailejones.
Take a hike through one of the páramos near Bogotá, with popular visitations in the Sumapaz district or Chingaza National Park. To maximize your experience, consider joining a guided trek that includes transportation and highlights the best spots to observe local wildlife.
6. Test your climbing skills and take in the sweeping views at Suesca
Travel time: 1 hour 30 mins
Suesca, a quaint town beside a 2km-long cliff, is a popular rock-climbing destination in Colombia. Whether you’re seeking adventurous routes or a leisurely hike along a scenic trail, Suesca provides stunning vistas of lush landscapes beneath.
Local agencies offer climbing gear rentals and guided trips, while you can also enjoy horse riding or mountain biking if you prefer those activities.
How to get to Suesca from Bogotá: Simply take a bus from the Terminal del Norte bus station and walk 15 minutes to the rock climbing area.
7. Enjoy a Colombian theme park experience at Parque Jaime Duque
Travel time: 1 hour 30 mins
Parque Jaime Duque, built in the early 1980s, offers a unique blend of attractions, from a replica of the Taj Mahal to various rides and a zoo. It’s an entertaining option for families and those seeking a playful adventure.
How to get to Parque Jaime Duque from Bogotá: Travel to Tocancipá via bus from the Terminal del Norte bus station, getting off at the roundabout in front of the park’s entrance.
8. Pamper yourself and enjoy warmer weather at one of San Francisco’s glamping spots
With pleasant temperatures averaging between 16℃ to 24℃ (60℉ to 75℉), San Francisco is an ideal spot for Bogotá residents looking for a relaxing weekend getaway. The valley around San Francisco is dotted with various glamping options, including cabins, tree houses, and glass domes for stargazing.
Notable glamping sites include Yuva Glamping, Luna Glamping, and Terra Maga, which has a soothing river view and spa. Don’t miss the enchanting hummingbird sanctuary while in town.
How to get to San Francisco from Bogotá: Take a bus from the Terminal Salitre station, where Flota Santa Fe offers regular services.
9. Explore the cloud forest and go ziplining at Chicaque Park
Travel time: 1 hour 30 mins
This privately-owned nature reserve, covering 300 hectares of pristine cloud forest, offers numerous activities. Enjoy zipping along the forest canopy or embarking on hiking adventures across the park’s seven trails.
How to get to Chicaque Park from Bogotá: The park operates a shuttle service on weekends, with additional options for taxi rentals available on weekdays. Chicaque Park is located 15km (9.3 miles) from the Terreros station.
