5 Unforgettable Day Trips From Bogota Colombia
Bogota, the city that always feels like spring, is a bustling metropolis with endless places to explore, food to taste, and drinks to consume. So, it’s no surprise that Bogota is surrounded by amazing things to do, too! From half-day to full-day trips from Bogota, this capital Colmobian city is a great jumping-off point to begin your Colombia vacation.
Whether you’re interested in Bogota coffee tours or hikes and waterfalls, there are several amazing day trips from Bogota that await you!
And the best part? No flying is involved to get there! Pretty sweet, right?
Check out the list below to help plan your Bogota day trip or weekend away from the city.
Check out our complete travel guide on things not to miss in Bogota!
Day Trips From Bogota
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1. Explore The Zipaquira Salt Cathedral
A church built within the tunnels of a former salt mine, some 600 feet (200 meters) underground, is located about an hour from Bogota (42 km/26 miles).
The Salt Cathedral of Bogota, Zipaquir Salt Cathedral, is not only a unique day trip from Bogota but a tourist destination and place of pilgrimage in the country, especially during the Easter holiday.
Opened in 1995, the Zipaquir Salt Cathedral is a place for practicing Catholics to come to mass on Sundays.
If a Sunday mass isn’t your cup of tea, no worries! The Zipaquir Salt Cathedral is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for those wanting to come and experience the unique and impressive architectural design of this underground church.
2. Take A Colombian Coffee Tour in Fusagasugá
If you’re a coffee lover, then no trip to Colombia is complete without first seeing how the world-renowned Colombian coffee is made.
Located 1.5 hours south of the city of Bogota lies Fusagasugá, where Hacienda Coloma, a local coffee plantation, can be found.
You’ll spend the day walking their plantation and learning how their coffee is grown, harvested, and processed.
Of course, you’ll do a little coffee taste testing! That’s why you’re here, isn’t it?!
3. Experience The Legend of El Dorado at Guatavita Lake
Lake Guatavita is a crater lake surrounded by forest trees, located less than two hours from Bogota.
This lake is a sacred site to the Muisca people (indigenous people), who cast elaborate gold offerings into the lake depths to appease the Gods.
As their ceremonial offerings became known, this legend attracted the Spanish conquistadors to this land in the sixteenth century, inspiring the legend of El Dorado.
Today, you can still experience the beauty of Lake Guatavita, go on a little hike, and learn about the legend and the Muisca people.
Now, for all you treasure hunters, you’ll have to head to the Gold Museum in Bogota to view some of the excavated gold offerings extracted from Lake Guatavita.
Who knows, you may stumble upon the city of gold during your visit 🙂
PRO TIP: You can also do a combo of this tour and the Salt Cathedral if you would like to experience both places!
4. Hiking in Chingaza National Natural Park
Are you a nature lover looking for a solid hike? Chingaza National Park may be just for you!
Located around two hours from Bogota, Chingaza National Park has 76,600 hectares and provides 80% of the city’s drinking water.
Chingaza National Park offers endless scenic beauty and wildlife viewing, which is perfect for those who want a break from the hustle and bustle of Bogota.
Your visit to this Colombian National Park will take you over a variety of terrains as your guide educates you on the national park’s flora, fauna, and history.
5. Chase La Chorrera and El Chiflon Waterfalls
How does hiking through lush woodlands to reach two waterfalls sound? Oh, and we should mention that one of these waterfalls is Colombia’s tallest waterfall.
It sounds pretty awesome, right?
El Chiflón and La Chorrera are located just outside the city of Bogota.
While the hike up is fairly strenuous, it is well worth it for views of these towering falls.
Once you arrive at El Chiflón, you can walk behind the waterfall and swim at its base.
After you have your fill of El Chiflón, you’re heading to La Chorrera, the tallest waterfall in Colombia.
Standing tall at 1,935 feet (590 meters), you’ll enjoy its towering views while munching and refueling on a few snacks.
Weekend Trip From Bogota
Visit Villa de Leyva
A perfect weekend trip from Bogota is Villa de Leyva.
Located around 3-hours from Bogota, Villa de Leyva is a colonial town known for its whitewashed colonial buildings and cobbled streets.
You can book round-trip transportation by public bus or hire a private transfer. Your hotel in Bogota can help you book tickets and make reservations.
If you’re short on time and really want to see Villa de Leyva, you can make this a day trip from Bogota.
Want More Information on Colombia?!
The Ultimate 2-Week Colombia Itinerary
14 Things To Do in Cartagena & Getsemani
18 Things to Know Before You Go To Cartagena
All You Need To Know About the Cocora Valley Hike
13 Things To See & Do in Salento
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Happy Travels,
– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stu’s)
