The beautiful and cosmopolitan city of Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is the epicenter of political, economic, administrative, industrial, cultural, and tourist activities of the country. And although it has a wide tourist, artistic, cultural, and gastronomic offer; many times those who live there need to disconnect from routine and seek direct contact with our culture, our traditions, our people, and our beautiful landscapes. Leaving the city to connect with the essence of life.
So what better idea than to draw a compass rose to be guided by its magic to one of the city’s exits and go on a road trip in Colombia, for at least a weekend. We should not fear the Compass Rose because with its magic we can visit incredible and megadiverse destinations full of stories, architecture, beautiful landscapes, and warm, friendly people, who will brighten every moment.
If the Nautical Rose indicates the north of Bogotá; we will find destinations as wonderful as:
Lake Tota (northeast)
The route is Bogotá-Sogamoso and from there, access to the lake is through its southern end, where Playa Blanca (a Muisca sanctuary to worship their gods) is located. Its altitude is 3,015 m.a.s.l. It is the largest natural body of water in Colombia, with beaches of white sands. Its attraction is represented as the ideal environment for practicing sport fishing, water sports, and navigation.
Discover our two-day tour departing from Bogotá: Weekend at Lake Tota: Latin America’s Third Green Destination
The Ocetá Páramo (northeast)
The route is Bogotá-Monguí. Walking this trail requires a guide, as the routes are not well defined. It is a delicate ecosystem offering beautiful landscapes for hiking, breathing fresh air, and contemplating a unique scenic setting. The Ocetá Páramo relaxes the senses with its beauty and harmony, earning its title as the most beautiful páramo in the world. Monguí is considered the prettiest town in Boyacá, also distinguished as a producer of soccer balls thanks to a craft inherited through generations. Don’t miss this beautiful destination.
To visit the Ocetá Páramo, you need to arrive in Monguí, where some local agencies offer hikes to this spectacular páramo. This is a medium-high level hike, requiring preparation to walk between 6 to 7 hours over a 16 km route.
If you prefer a much more comfortable option departing from Bogotá, you can check our plan that includes a stop at the Boyacense Little Town, in Nobsa, and a guided tour in Monguí.
Villa de Leyva (north)
It is a historical and cultural heritage site, with its architectural richness that immerses tourists in the colonial era and makes it one of the most beautiful towns in Colombia. It has the largest cobbled central square in Colombia. Its historical importance is as the birthplace of Antonio Ricaurte, a hero of Independence. Around it, there are places of interest or attractions, such as: a 120-million-year-old Kronosaurus (El Fósil museum); Pre-Hispanic era pictograms (Sáchira); Convent of Santo Ecce Homo (Colombia’s architectural heritage); the Blue Ponds; the Iguaque Fauna and Flora Sanctuary and the Iguaque Lagoon; La Periquera Ecological Park and replicas of dinosaurs and extinct mammals (Gondava Thematic Park, Sáchicacon). Additionally, nearby, you can visit a picturesque town known for its colorful houses, called Ráquira, which also holds the title of Colombia’s artisan town. Enjoy a weekend in this beautiful place; we have the plan for you: Villa de Leyva, Ráquira, and Walk to Iguaque Lagoon
Farallones de Sutatausa (north)
The beauty of these rocky formations, whose summit reaches 3,200 meters above sea level; represents an option for ecological hikes near Bogotá. The steepness of these formations encourages climbing and ridge hiking, which increases adrenaline. Their pictograms and legends are the highlight of the trip. From there, you can observe the beautiful Ubaté Valley, on a low-level hike, ideal for spending time with family with our one-day plan Hiking and Adventure in the Farallones de Sutatausa
A trip to the legend of El Dorado (north)
The legend of El Dorado was born from Spanish explorers’ expectations of a place paved with gold. It begins with the interaction between conquistadors and indigenous cultures of America; some stories say that the conquistadors came from Mexico seeking this great treasure.
In Colombia, this legend comes to life with the Muisca civilization and their ceremonial rites in which they made beautiful gold offerings in the lagoons. These ceremonies were known as “correr la tierra,” where indigenous warriors made a pilgrimage of several days between the high páramo lagoons near Bogotá.
One of the most representative lagoons in this pilgrimage is the Laguna de Guatavita, which can be visited on a tour departing from Bogotá at this link: Trip to the Legend of El Dorado: Laguna de Guatavita and Nemocón Salt Mines
However, these ceremonies involve many more sacred lagoons such as the Siecha Lagoons in the Chingaza National Natural Park, the Black Lagoon in the Sumapaz Páramo, and the Teusacá Lagoon in the Cruz Verde Páramo.
Gacheneque Páramo
The prelude to this great natural destination is the municipality of Villapinzón, in Cundinamarca. A few kilometers above is the Gacheneque Páramo, where the Bogotá River originates. The water is clean, crystal clear, and you can witness wonderful landscapes. Contemplating the páramo, learning about the environmental processes in the region, seeing a lagoon shaped like the map of Colombia, and the best attraction: the Otter’s Well, is possible by visiting the Gacheneque Páramo.
For nature lovers, this is a peaceful hike where you can recognize the ecological values of the páramo at the source of the Bogotá River. This plan can be done in a day leaving from Bogotá; more details at this link: Gacheneque Páramo: A Hike to the Source of the Bogotá River.
Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá (north)
It is a patrimony of history, culture, and religion. Its artistic richness centers on salt sculptures and marble. It features a spectacular water mirror, with impressive lighting; where the natural beauty can be appreciated down to 180 meters deep. Among many of its attractions and allegories, the Nave of Birth and Baptism stands out, with a nativity scene carved in sandstone and its baptismal font, illuminated from above with a white beam of light symbolizing the Holy Spirit.
Now, what to do if the compass rose indicates south of Bogotá? Here, the options are no less special:
Chicaqué Natural Park (southwest)
Cloud forest, with beautiful landscapes, that glimpses a communion with Nature, during horseback riding, hiking, and walking. It is classified as an ecotourism site; because its 20 kilometers of trails lead to many points of interest. Additionally, you can enjoy birdwatching, including beautiful hummingbirds. This beautiful park is a natural conservation corner ready to welcome you to enjoy the cloud forest and beautiful landscapes from the best viewpoints in the park.
This is a beautiful medium-level hike that takes place between a cloud forest and an oak forest. The hike covers 11 km and takes about 4 to 5 hours. More information about this one-day hike can be found at this link: Hiking in the Cloud Forest of Chicaqué Natural Park
Sumapaz Páramo
The largest páramo in the world and one of the most important water reserves, it is part of Bogotá’s territory. Although much of the area is protected and inaccessible to visitors, there is a buffer zone where you can practice hiking and appreciate one of Bogotá’s most beautiful landscapes. Having the opportunity to visit such an ecosystem makes us very privileged as Bogotanos. However, with permission from local communities, you can join our Hiking Tour in the Sumapaz Páramo to walk a stunning trail with all the natural values of this páramo; its rocky formations, complex lagoons, and gardens of endless frailejones. If you want to visit this marvelous trail, you can see the details at this link: Hiking in the Sumapaz Páramo, the Largest in the World!
Tatacoa Desert (southwest)
An impressive destination, formed by eroded cliffs by rain over more than 500 years, representing a place for adventures in Colombia. It is a semi-arid tropical dry forest, located on the equator, with temperatures of 45°C during the day and a very cool climate at night. Among its emblematic places are: The Cuzco, where you can enjoy the best landscapes of the Tatacoa Desert, during walks through its labyrinths and canyons. At night, the absence of artificial light pollution gives this “desert” a clear atmosphere, ideal for astronomical observation of the night sky at the Observatory. Another place is Las Ventanas, where besides the views of the “desert,” you can overlook nearby mountains. And Los Hoyos, which allow walks in the rugged terrain of the canyons, and then cool off in the Los Hoyos Natural Pool. If you want to visit this destination without worrying about details, we invite you to check our plan: Tatacoa Desert: A Weekend Under the Stars
It’s time to turn east and climb a bit into the Andes mountain range. Here are some good options for hiking in the mountains.
La Chorrera Waterfall (southeast)
Located in the Choachí Municipality, it is Colombia’s highest waterfall (590 meters). This natural park connects us with the vital human essence through each of its beautiful routes full of nature, with fauna and flora very well connected, leading to the foot of the waterfall. This park is considered one of the best tourist attractions in Colombia. Did you know you can walk behind the waterfall? Join the Hiking through the Cloud Forest to Colombia’s Highest Waterfall, La Chorrera
Nothing beats visiting the páramos surrounding Bogotá; we are truly fortunate to have these water factories that supply us with life and also boast wonderful landscapes. At Road Trip, we offer a variety of options for you to learn more about the páramo ecosystem:
Chingaza National Natural Park
The main water source for Bogotá residents. One of Colombia’s most important natural parks, with misty landscapes whose vegetal king is the frailejón. Additionally, within its territory, is the Chuza reservoir, which supplies water to Bogotá. Its attraction as a tourist destination is the wildlife observation of species such as white-tailed deer, Andean bear, and a wide variety of wild birds. Have you completed our three trails in Chingaza? Hiking Tour Chingaza: Casarriales Trail to Mina de Palacios, Trip in the Chingaza PNN: Rincón del Oso and Los Musgos Trails and of course, Full-day Tour to the Laguna de Siecha - Chingaza Natural Park
Cruz Verde Páramo
The Matarredonda Ecological Park is part of the Cruz Verde Páramo in the municipality of Choachí, featuring saddle trails, also known as royal roads, where native páramo flora and fauna can be observed. In Matarredonda, you can visit the Teusacá Lagoon, part of the Muisca route, formerly called “Correr la Tierra.” We will also visit the Abuela Waterfall.
This is a family trail suitable for children from 6 years old. It is also appropriate for those who want to start hiking.
You can see the details of the Hiking Tour to the Matarredonda Páramo
Finally, to the west, we will find
Murillo Hot Springs
Can you imagine enjoying hot springs in the middle of a páramo ecosystem? Well, this is possible when visiting the hot springs in Murillo, Tolima: The Murillo Cabaña Hot Springs. A natural spectacle where the colors bring life to one of Colombia’s most beautiful landscapes. This place is hidden within the Los Nevados National Park. Don’t miss this unique scenery, see prices and details of this 2-day trip from Bogotá: Road Trip to the Cabaña Hot Springs in Murillo, Tolima
Laguna el Tabacal and Chupal Waterfalls
In La Vega municipality, you can visit these two incredible natural attractions. It is a place for those seeking a bit of adventure. It is also a good option for those wanting to escape the cold Bogotá and look for warm climates.
Regarding the Laguna El Tabacal, locals say that their ancestors, especially the Panche chief’s tribe, performed their rituals on the Butulú hill, which is connected to the lagoon. From there, they threw their gold offerings and enemies into the Tabacal. In La Vega, it is known as an enchanted lagoon, with colorful waters that sometimes turn blue, and other times green. Its only inhabitants are some ducks, turtles, and other birds that bring life to this beautiful place.
Here, you can also visit the Chupal Waterfalls, a mountain trail where five waterfalls can be visited, which are part of the Tabacal River tributary. It is a beautiful place amid a tropical forest, where you can take a bath.
If you want to explore a trekking option departing from Bogotá, you can see this link: Trekking to the Chupal Waterfalls in La Vega. You can do a 10 km walk through trails from Laguna El Tabacal to the Chupal Waterfalls. Along the way, you can listen to birds singing, learn about some fruit trees, discover some history of this territory, and share with other people on the excursion.
Silver Waterfall (Chorro de Plata)
Visit the municipality of San Francisco, its tourist spots, and gastronomic delights to discover one of the best waterfalls near Bogotá: Chorro de Plata.
This place has preserved its charm since access to the terrain is not easy. We leave behind the noise of the city to connect with the wonders of nature in the high Andean forest, where we will undertake a walk of approximately 11 kilometers, discovering an incredible waterfall about 90 meters high, hidden among the mountains.
The waters originate from the Tablazo hill at an altitude of 2,500 m.a.s.l. The color of the rocks makes the water’s reflections descend like a silver thread.
Discover details of our Trekking to Chorro de Plata, a fascinating hidden waterfall in the mountains
For weekend enjoyment, with destinations near Bogotá, just ask the oracle Rosa de los Vientos. Happy road trip in Colombia.