Searching for some enthralling Bogota day trips? Well, fret not! We have got you covered. Though there are many day trips from Bogota, here, we have compiled a list of some amazing and fascinating stopovers from that one cannot afford to miss out. If you are looking to plan a trip to Bogota, then do consider these day trips to make the most out of your vacation.
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Chicaque Natural Park
When it is about Bogota day trips, you cannot afford to ignore Chicaque Natural Park. Located at a distance of some 40 odd minutes ride from Bogota, Chicaque is one of the most beautiful and talked-about areas to visit Bogota. Wondering why? Well, it is the home to Latin America’s most enticing cloud forests. Now, you can imagine what sort of fun it is to visit this place. Not just this, Chicaque is also known to offer some of the most astonishing hiking excursions. These excursions are easy and family-friendly. Along with that, if you are an adventure buff, then the place also has zip-lining, rope climbing, and horseback riding for you. Not limited to this, you can also enjoy a fun-filled relaxing time at the natural park which obviously is dotted with the abundance of flora and fauna. Surely, a visit to Chicaque Natural Park is an ultimate experience in itself that every tourist must look to relish.
How far from Bogota
36 km
How to get there
Getting to Chicaque Natural Park is an easy option. The best and cheapest way to come here is Chicaque Express – a park operated minibus. The bus will take you from the Terreros Transmilenio station and will directly drop you off at the entrance of the park. However, an important thing to know here is this bus service runs only on weekend days. It hosts four departures in the morning and three return rides in the afternoon.
If you want to visit the park on weekdays, then consider traveling via public transport. For that, take a bus to Mosquera. From Mosquera, a minibus to Coomofu will take you to the park. Just let your driver know that you want to get down at Chicaque. From the place where the bus will drop you off, you will have to walk a total of 3 km to reach the park.
Cost to travel there
The first option of the park run minibus would charge you somewhere around 2 USD. Whereas, if you are considering the second option, then you can expect to pay somewhere around 4 USD to reach the park. The entire ride would take around 40 minutes to complete.
Lake Guatavita
Even if you are not a big fan of lakes, one of the best day trips from Bogota is Lake Guatavita. This famous tourist spot in Bogota is beautifully steeped in an indigenous legend like Medellin. It is said, this place is said to be the birth land of the famous Legend of El Dorado. During the Spanish conquest of South America, a tale originated which tells about the ancient lost city of gold. This place was once flourishing with the Muisca indigenous people. This perfectly round mountain lake was used by the locals to make offerings to their deities. One of the most important of such ceremonies included a priest adorned with golden powder who used to immerse in the lake water. These were the tales that supposedly gave birth to the famous El Dorado legend. If you have a keen interest in the history of Latin America, then surely this is a not-to-miss place for you. Apart from those astonishing stories, you will also be treated with some of the most exotic sights of the Tomine Reservoir. Not just this, here, you also get an opportunity to explore the quaint town of Guatavita. Here, you can take an initiative to know about the people of the town and their beautiful culture.
How far from Bogota
73 km
How to get there
To reach Lake Guatavita, board a bus from Portal Norte. The journey will take 1.5 hours to complete. Once the bus will drop you off, you can walk the rest of the distance.
Cost to travel there
One-way fare of the bus is around 2.47 USD.
La Chorrera Waterfall
Want to see Colombia’s highest multi-step waterfall? If so, then head to La Chorrera Waterfall. Located at a height of 590 meters, this waterfall site is one of the most sought-after day trips Bogota. One can reach the waterfall by hiking through the gorgeous rural scenery and beautifully preserved cloud forest. The hike is moderately difficult but an experience in itself. If you want to stay closer to nature on any of your day tours in Bogota, then this is the best place to be. The waterfall offers an exotic sight for tourists to relish. The water cascading down from a high, misty mountain into the gorgeous forest is one of the most pulchritudinous views you ever get to see. Besides, if you are lucky enough, you can spot toucans.
How far from Bogota
51 km
How to get there
The best and the cheapest way to reach La Chorrera is the public bus. Reach Transoriente’s terminal in Bogota. Please note, it is not the usual Transoriente’s terminal. It is the station which is located right next to the police station (situated right outside of the actual Transoriente’s terminal) along the Calle 6 road. From there, buy a ticket from the counter. Tell them you’re heading to Cascada La Chorrera. The bus doesn’t take you all the way to the waterfall site. In fact, it will drop you a few meters before the waterfall site. As you will get off, it will seem like a deserted mountain road. Do not panic, just follow the road signs and they’ll take you to La Chorrera Waterfall.
Cost to travel there
The one-way ticket is around 3.60 USD.
What to Expect in Bogota
Matarredonda Natural Park
Just a few km northwest of Bogota, Matarredonda Ecological Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit around Bogota. The area includes part of the local paramo – an astonishing landscape of exotic endemic Andean plants. Matarredonda Ecological Park is the perfect place for all those looking for nature’s escape from the capital city of Bogota. Such is the compelling charm of this place that a visit to it is considered as one of Bogota, Colombia best things to do. Since the park is located at a height of 12000 feet above sea level, there is no fauna in the park. However, the best experience here is at the summit from where you can relish the stunning views of Monserrate and Guadalupe Mountains along with the backdrop of Bogota.
In order to explore the region, you are supposed to indulge in hiking experiences. One hike ends at a lake whereas, the other one takes tourists to a lake and a waterfall site. These hiking excursions are not steep but take about an hour and a half to get completed.
How far from Bogota
32 km
How to get there
From Bogota, you can take a bus from any private bus company (Cootransfomeque and Transoriente are two of them) on Calle 6 with Av. Caracas. These buses operate till Choachi. However, Parque Ecologico Matarredonda lies en route of it.
Cost to travel there
The bus ticket will cost you something around 3.5 USD
Tequendama Falls
Indeed, a trip worth every effort for those who wish to spend some quality time in the lap of nature. Being a waterfall site, Tequendama Falls in a rocky gorge offers an exotic natural setting. But that’s not all! Near to this waterfall site, there is a beautiful coffee plantation that also serves as a renowned tourist site in the region. Here at Hacienda Coloma, you can also taste the traditional coffee. This place is perfect to learn about the production of coffee. There is a famous legend associated with this place which says that the native Muisca people, in order to escape Spanish slavery, jumped to their deaths. Thus, this fall has a reputation for suicide by the modern people of Bogota. But, that is just talks!
How far from Bogota
40 km
How to get there
There is no direct bus from Bogota to Tequendama Falls. However, from Universidades B – 2 o 5, the bus services are operated by Transmilenio-Alimentadores and arrive at Estación El Salto vía Bogotá – Portal 80 and Bogotá.
Cost to travel there
The one-side bus ticket costs around 2.42 USD.
Bogota Day Trips
Zipaquira and Nemocon Salt Mines
Located to the north of the capital city of Bogota, Zipaquira and Nemocon are two huge underground salt mines. Of both the mines, Zipaquira holds a huge tourist base. The history of this renowned tourist site dates back to the time of pre-Colombian cultures. The site of Zipaquira was once used as a place of worship before transitioning into a Catholic site. It houses giant religious figures, and hence, is often renowned as Salt Cathedral. After indulging in the underground excursion, you can also explore the serene quaint town of Zipaquira. Talking about Nemocon, well, it is less popular and stunningly beautiful. You can plan either trip from Bogota with ease.
How far from Bogota
47 km
How to get there
Reach Portal del Norte bus terminal. From there, you will get a bus to Zipaquira. The mini-bus with a board stating Zipa will take you to Zipaquira. The distance between Bogota and Zipaquira is just 45 km and it will take around 1.5 hours to reach the destination. However, make sure you tell your driver that you want to get off at Catedral de Salta.
Cost to travel there
6 USD
El Jardin Encantado
El Jardin Encantado is a little heaven in itself. It is a magical garden located in the town of San Francisco. In reality, El Jardin Encantado is an enchanting series of gardens. Just to let you know, this garden serves as a dwelling land of around 10 different species of hummingbirds. Of all the species, gorgeted woodstar is a key highlight here in this place. These beautiful creatures are known to be one of the world’s smallest birds. Along with that, you can also expect to capture the sight of the famous ruby topaz bird. El Jardin Encantado is a perfect place for all those nature and wildlife lovers who are looking for the best Bogota Colombia day trips including wildlife on your Bogota travel.
How far from Bogota
60 km
How to get there
Since El Jardin Encantado is located in San Francisco, you need to get a bus that takes you to this beautiful town. Reach Portal de la 80 bus terminal. It is important to know that there is no direct bus to San Francisco from Bogota. The bus will first drop you off at MInas – a little quaint settlement. From Bogota to Minas, it is a 1.5 hours drive. From Minas, board a little collectivo bus which will take you to El Jardin Encantado. It’s a 2 hours drive.
Cost to travel there
The first drive from Bogota to Minas will charge 0.37 USD. Whereas, the second ride from Minas to El Jardin Encantado will charge 2.98 USD.
Coffee Tour in Tibacuy
Coffee Tour in Tibacuy is an exclusive tour which is organized by a tour company in Bogota, Andes Ecotours. This is an entire day trip tour in Tibacuy located south of Bogota. It gives you a great opportunity for coffee lovers. You can expect to discover the beautiful coffee Colombian culture. Along with that, you can also explore the very famous Coffee Triangle. It won’t be unfair to say that Tibacuy is an absolute treat for all the coffee admirers. The best thing about this day trip from Bogota is that tourists get to know about the environmental-friendly coffee. If that’s not enough, you will also get to savor some.
How far from Bogota
80 km
How to get there
The best way to reach Tibacuy from Bogota is by car. There is no direct bus to get to Tibacuy. The bus only goes till Silvania from Bogota-Portal 30 terminus, Once you are at Silvania, you can hire a taxi to Tibacuy. This entire journey from bus to taxi will take around 2 hours and 35 minutes. Hence, you can also prefer to hire a taxi from Bogota to Tibacuy. Though this would be costly, yet the quickest one,
Cost to travel there
If you are choosing the first option, then the bus ticket would cost you somewhere around 3 USD. Whereas, a taxi ride would be of 2.70 USD. Whereas, if you prefer to cover the entire journey by taxi, then the cost to travel Tibacuy would come between 18 USD and 22 USD.
I have done my part. Now it’s your time to make the tough call of which day trips from Bogota Colombia you would want to cover on your next Bogota trip. Whichever tour you choose, make sure to make the most of it. Also, do let me know which tour you are thinking of doing on your Bogota travel trip, I am keen to know it!
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