Bogotá is a city full of fascinating tourist spots that captivate thousands of tourists from all over the world every day, eager to discover the charm of the Colombian capital. What many don’t know is that, around it, Bogotá has truly enchanting landscapes. Add to your travel experience in Colombia the best activities by visiting these 5 places around Bogotá that you definitely need to see.

1. La Chorrera Waterfall



This waterfall is undoubtedly one of the most visited by tourists and locals who want to spend a day connecting with nature. Close to Bogotá, you can discover the longest waterfall in Colombia, ideal for walking through fields full of flowers while spotting pavas and majestic hawks. It’s a perfect destination to enjoy a different and adrenaline-filled day without straying too far from Bogotá.

Where is La Chorrera Waterfall located?



It is located just 45 minutes from the Colombian capital, specifically in the town of Choachí (Cundinamarca). You can reach Choachí by bus and then start a two-hour hike through the mountains. The hike is of low difficulty; however, it’s mandatory to have the company of an expert guide, wear comfortable shoes, and bring snacks.

Why is La Chorrera so special?



The waterfall stands at 590 meters tall and is the sixth-longest in Latin America. It is hidden in the middle of a cloud forest, home to colorful butterflies, rabbits, and birds, and its waters flow into the Meta River, the longest in the Colombian Orinoquia. Besides walking through the forest accompanied—mandatorily—by an expert guide, La Chorrera is an ideal place for rappelling, horseback riding, and camping.

For trekking lovers, La Chorrera is a must-see for its authenticity and its unique Andean páramo landscapes / Source


2. Zipaquirá



Once you arrive in Bogotá, it’s impossible not to hear about Zipaquirá, but what is it? It is a Colombian town located just 1 hour from the capital, and its main attraction is the famous Salt Cathedral, an architectural marvel built inside a salt mine.

What is the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, and why is it so famous?



Considered one of the top religious attractions in South America, this Salt Cathedral is an underground temple built inside a salt mine since 1950 when miners built a small chapel in the same place. Upon entering the Cathedral, visitors will find salt and marble sculptures with particular visual effects, while the experienced guide explains the historical details of the construction of this place. Besides exploring the salt mines, it is worth strolling through Gonzalez Forero Plaza in Zipaquirá, surrounded by buildings and colonial houses almost 300 years old; and Casa Museo Quevedo Zornoza, where the memories of the Quevedo Family are preserved, renowned Colombian artists whose generations have dedicated themselves to music and other arts since the War of Independence.

Zipaquirá’s main attraction is the Salt Cathedral, but the town itself is also worth exploring / Source


3. Villa de Leyva



Traveling to Villa de Leyva is also like traveling back to the most remote past of Colombia, as here you can find objects and buildings from the Muisca people, an important indigenous group that has inhabited the Colombian nation since the 6th century AD to the present, as well as significant colonial buildings that tell the story of this city recognized as a national monument.

Main attractions in Villa de Leyva



A day in Villa de Leyva is enough to discover the most important places of interest, such as the Archaeological Park “El Infiernito” and the Zaquenzipá Astronomical Observatory, where the Muiscas used to calculate the harvest times. It’s also the perfect occasion to buy some souvenirs, especially crafts made from ceramics, and stroll through its beautiful streets while enjoying the local cuisine. If you visit the town on a Saturday, don’t miss the authentic Villa de Leyva Farmer’s Market, offering many crafts, typical foods, fruits, and vegetables to buy and taste.

The cobbled streets are one of the must-see attractions in Villa de Leyva / Source


4. Guatavita Lagoon



60 kilometers northwest of Bogotá lies Guatavita, a town famous for its enchanting Golden Lagoon located in the nearby village of Sesquilé. Like Villa de Leyva, Guatavita is a sacred natural site for the Muisca civilization, where the well-known Legend of El Dorado originated.

A place full of mysticism and legends



The legend tells that when a chief was proclaimed, he had to arrive at the lagoon pure in thought and cover his skin with gold dust, then submerge himself in the lagoon to gain wisdom. The ceremony ended with the community offering gifts, throwing gold and other precious stones into the water. It is said that, upon hearing this story, the colonizers attempted to drain the lagoon to find the valuable pieces. Travel tip: Hear the details of the Legend of El Dorado from the locals themselves with the Tour to Guatavita Lagoon, where you will also taste delicious national cuisine with the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia as your backdrop.

5 places around Bogotá you must visitVisit Guatavita Lagoon and be amazed by its wonderful myths and legends / Source


5. La Calera



La Calera is located 18 kilometers from Bogotá and is an excellent option for escaping the hustle and bustle of the capital while appreciating the charm of its valleys and delightful hills.

What to visit in La Calera?



Among the must-visit spots in La Calera are the viewpoint, the Colonial Chapel, San Rafael Dam, and Chingaza National Park, perfect for hiking amidst the natural landscapes of the Colombian páramo. If you have limited time, choose between the Suasie Trail and the Siecha Lagoons Trail, which are shorter but just as breathtaking. During your visit to La Calera, enjoy traditional Colombian cuisine at restaurants like El Molino and El Tambor, where the specialty is the famous parrilladas. Finally, don’t forget to take home some woolen textiles made by local artisans, and if you have enough car space, consider purchasing some wicker or wooden furniture with typical designs of the region.

La Calera is a beautiful town surrounded by valleys and charming hills, and the journey from Bogotá offers a wonderful view of the northern part of the city / Source


Extra Tip: Visit a Coffee Farm from Bogotá



As the cherry on top, we invite you to enjoy a sensory experience with an exclusive visit to a coffee plantation in Cundinamarca. Discover the complete process of Colombian coffee, from the seed to the cup, in an environment where natural beauty and rich tradition come together. Learn from local experts, taste the various notes of one of the best coffees in the world, and immerse yourself in the coffee culture that defines this country. Travel tip: Don’t wait any longer to dive into the world of Colombian coffee. Book your spot now!

Discover the process of the world's most famous coffee just a few kilometers from the Colombian capital / Source


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Expand your travel itinerary and include these fascinating places to visit near Bogotá that offer the perfect combination of lush landscapes, pre-Colombian legends, iconic architectural works, and plenty of flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment, make the most of every second of your vacation in this beautiful and lush country.

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  By: Daytours4u.com Content Team / Update 2024