While Bogota is packed with fascinating sights, history, culture and many incredible things to see, sometimes you just need a break from the madness and a day trip does just the trick. Whether you want to enjoy fresh air, connect with nature or visit a cultural wonder, there is plenty to do near Bogota. Here are our favorite day trips from Bogota:
1. Guatavita Lake
This emerald-coloured lake is commonly known for giving rise to the famous Dorado Legend: a city made out of gold. Is Located inside of a Natural reserve north from Bogota and is a perfect natural escape, as it offers a soft hike through a stoned trail that crosses the Andean forest until it reaches 3 stunning viewpoints of the lagoon. During the hike visitors are guided by a local who shares the story of the Muisca people (indigenous community that inhabited the area before the arrival of the Spanish) and the ritual performed in this lake. Making it a great destination for nature lovers and those interested in indigenous history.
*Note: The tour at Guatavita Lake starts every 20 min approx and is in Spanish. If you don’t speak Spanish, it is always better to have a tour guide from Bogota that can translate and give you further information about the place, traditions and ecosystem.
- Distance from Bogota: 78 km (48.5 miles).
- Getting there: Best by private car or tour.
Public transport: Catch a bus from the Salitre Terminal or TransMilenio’s Portal del Norte station to Guatavita town. From there, a taxi or hike to the entrance of the reserve from the road, 15 km away.
- Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Closed Mondays (or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday).
- Best time to depart Bogota: 9:00 am.
- How much time you need to visit Guatavita Lake from Bogota: 7hrs.
To make the most out of this day, you can take a tour that combines this natural spot with the most iconic attraction in the countryside: The Salt Cathedral. Click here for tour details.
2. Zipaquirá
One of the most popular day trips from Bogota is to the small town of Zipaquira, where the Salt Cathedral, an architectural marvel, is located. This underground Cathedral, considered to be Colombia’s First Wonder, is what brings thousands of tourists and locals every month into town. The remarkable design is brought to life by the colorful lights that vanish in the darkness of the mine. As you descend you will encounter the stations of the cross, the choir and the main naves of the Cathedral. Its spiritual atmosphere and inspiring creation make it a must-see for anyone visiting Bogota.
- Distance from Bogota: 50 km (31 miles).
- Getting there: Best by private car or tour.
Public transport: Bus from TransMilenio’s Portal del Norte station to Zipaquirá, then a short walk uphill to the mine. Another option is the steam train from Bogotá (click here for details).
- Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm; Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Visit the official site for more info or to buy tickets.
- Best time to depart Bogota: 9:00 am or 2:00 pm.
- How much time you need to visit the Salt Cathedral: 5hrs.
Check out this Express tour to Salt Cathedral from Bogota
3. La Chorrera
Heading east of Bogota, is La Chorrera Natural Park, one of our favorite natural spots near the city. This natural park offers a beautiful trail through the countryside and Andean Forest, with breathtaking views. The best part is that you will get to the base of the highest waterfall in Colombia: La Chorrera. But it doesn’t end there, during the hike you can also visit EL Chiflon, a smaller yet impactful waterfall, where you can opt to do rappel (available on weekends). The hike takes about 3.5 hours to complete, however we recommend giving yourself a couple of days in the city before the hike, so you can adjust to the altitude.
- Distance from Bogota: 40 km (25 miles).
- Opening hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.
- Hike information:
- Distance: 8 km (4.9 miles).
- Ecosystem: Cloud Forest
- Max elevation: 2.650 mts (8.694 feet) – Min elevation: 2.450 mts (8.038 feet)
- Best time to depart Bogota: 9:00 am
- How much time you need to visit La Chorrera: 8hrs.
Ready to explore the highest waterfall in Colombia? Click here for tour details.
4. Coffee Farm in San Francisco
We have a saying in Colombia: “Where there are mountains, there is coffee”, meaning that near Bogota you can also find coffee plantations. Most of them are small and family owned. There, you will get to experience first hand all the process that leads to the perfect cup of Colombian coffee beside the true experts: Our coffee growers. But this experience is more than that, the landscape and beautiful sights will capture your heart! This day trip is ideal for those who love coffee and nature.
Tip: To visit a working coffee farm, it’s best to go with a tour agency. Some farms also welcome independent visitors.
As a tour agency we work hand by hand with family coffee farms located at San Francisco and La Vega (west of Bogota) These are some details about them:
- Distance from Bogota: 60.9 km (37.8 miles).
- Best time to depart Bogota: 9:00 am.
- How much time you need to visit: 7hrs.
- Coffee Growers you will meet: Carlo or Manuel.
Would you like to enjoy an authentic coffee farm and meet out coffee growers? Check out this tour
5. Hummingbird Observatory
This place is a heaven for hummingbird lovers or nature enthusiasts. Hidden in the mountains, just 1hr from Bogota you will find the “Observatorio de Colibries”, where visitors can sit back and enjoy as hummingbirds of all colors and sizes dance around. There are 4 different areas or gardens set up with feeders for you to sit, get your camera ready and shoot the best pictures. Up to 18 different species have been documented here!
- Distance from Bogota: 24 km (14 miles) – approx. 1 hour.
- Getting there: You can rent a car, hire a driver, or take an Uber. If using Uber, it’s a good idea to pay the driver to wait for your return.
- Opening hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; Sunday & Holidays: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
- Best time to depart Bogota: 9:00 am or 10:00 am.
- How much time you need to visit: 6hrs.
To visit the Hummingbird observatory you will need to make a reservation in advance. Make sure to visit the official website: https://www.observatoriodecolibries.com/
You can also book a tour with us to visit the Hummingbird Observatory and hot springs. Contact us for further information
6. Chingaza National Natural Park
Chingaza National Natural Park is a true hidden gem few get to experience. It is a natural marvel and our own favorite place to hike from Bogota. This natural reserve has 76.600 Ha of extension and is the home of the Andean bear, white-tailed deer and a variety of birds.
As you dive into the park you will experience how the ecosystem alternates. From cloud forest to paramo (high-altitude moorland), the shades of green change on the way and the landscape gets more surreal as gorgeous lakes and frailejones (plants found only in paramo ecosystems) make their appearance.
This national park offers different trails that vary in difficulty, however since it is a protected area, there is a limited number of people that can enter each day per trail, that is why it is important to plan your visit and book in advance.
Note: Just outside Bogota lies Sumapaz, the largest paramo in the world. This unique area is under recovery and conservation efforts, and as such, it is not open for tourism. We kindly ask for your support in preserving this natural treasure by abstaining from visiting Sumapaz Paramo.
- Distance from Bogota: 33 km (20.5 miles).
- Opening hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:30 am to 4:00 pm
- Best time to depart Bogota: 7:00 am
- How much time you need to visit Chingaza: 10hrs.
Want to experience a unique ecosystem? Click here for tour details.
7. Tobia Extreme
Tobia is a small town west of Bogota, through the years it has become a hotspot for locals to enjoy river sports. From rafting, to canyoning through lush landscapes and mountains, it is a wonderful place to enjoy nature and of course get a boost of adrenaline! Tobia is at 750m.a.s.l, so you will enjoy nice warm weather (19° – 30°C) making it ideal for water activities.
Important recommendations: Rafting is done through ‘Rionegro’ (Black River) named this way due to the sediment it carries. Therefore, we recommend wearing dark-colored clothes to avoid damaging light-colored ones.
- Distance from Bogota: 86 km (53.4 miles).
- Getting there: Rent a car or hire a driver. Public transport: Bus from TransMilenio’s Portal del 80 station to Tobia.
- Best time to depart Bogota: 6:00
- How much time you need: 12hrs.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, wildlife, cultural marvels, the areas surrounding Bogota offer countless opportunities for unforgettable experiences.
