10 Best and Enjoyable Day Trips From Bogota

Are you an urbanite used to living in a concrete world or a nature lover seeking amazing, serene landscapes? If you’re visiting the capital of Colombia, you can indulge both sides of your traveler self. With the city as your base, you can experience memorable day trips from Bogotá. 

Bogota, Colombia’s third-largest city, is a must-visit destination offering diverse experiences from bustling urban streets to tranquil natural settings.

This guide is your perfect companion for exploring Bogota and its surrounding attractions. Whether you prefer independent exploration or guided tours, Bogota serves as an ideal hub for day trips to nearby destinations, easily accessible by various transportation options. Let’s dive into 10 of the best day trips from Bogota, complete with activities and travel tips.

10 Best Day Trips from Bogotá 

While there is no shortage in the number of places within the region that you can explore, we have listed 10 diverse forms of day trips you can make from Bogotá. 

1. Cerro de Monserrate

If you want a panoramic view of Bogotá, the Monserrate is the ideal spot as it provides a breathtaking top view of the entire city. The majestic Monserrate is a 10,000-foot high mountain located just outside Bogotá. 

The indigenous people of Muisca used to worship Sué, the solar god, as they saw the sun rising directly from behind Monserrate. Thus, the mountain held a sacred value for the Muiscas, and they built a temple on it. During the early colonial period, the Spaniards replaced the temple with a Catholic church. 

The main landmark of Monserrate is The Monserrate Monastery, dedicated to the Fallen Lord, Senor El Caido. Next to Monserrate is Cerro de Guadalupe, which has the statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a title of the Catholic Virgin Mary. 

How to Get There?

To get to Monserrate, you can take the bus to the Los Aguas station and walk the rest of the distance to the mountain. The pedestrian path to the top of the mountain is open for ascent from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5 a.m. until 4 p.m. to go down. The climb can take 1-2 hours, depending on your fitness level, but remember to wear shoes with good grip and to use sunblock. 

If you don’t want to hike, you can also go to the top by cable car or funicular. The funicular is open from Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. On Saturdays, it is open until 4:30 p.m.; on Sundays, it is open until 6:30 p.m. On Sundays, the ticket will cost you 6,000 Colombian Pesos (COP), while on other days, it will cost you around 10,000 COP. 

The cost of a cable car is the same. From Monday to Saturday, it is open from 12:00 p.m. until 11:30 p.m., while on Sundays, it is open from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. 

2. Tibacuy

If you are a coffee lover, you will surely like a visit to Tibacuy, the famous coffee capital of the area. It is a municipality in Cundinamarca, Colombia, around 54 miles from Bogotá. 

The indigenous Muisca, who lived in the area, previously inhabited the region before the Spanish conquistadors took over the area. 

The area’s highlight is Quinini Hill, the forest reserve created in 1987. The reserve is built over an area of 1,900 hectares. The reserve also has agricultural plantations where bananas and coffee are grown. 

If you want to visit the reserve, wear light clothing with comfortable but sturdy shoes and put on some sunblock. Also, in case it rains, don’t forget to pack an extra set of clothes. 

How to Get There?

You can go to Tibacuy by bus, taxi or you can drive yourself. While a taxi may cost you around 101,000 COP, a bus ride will cost you around 57,250 COP. However, the bus will take around 2 hours, but if you go by car or taxi, you can reach it in an hour or so.

3. Zipaquirá

A visit to the salt cathedral at Zipaquirá is one of the most popular day trips from Bogotá among tourists. The expansive cathedral is carved into a maze of salt mines around 183 meters below ground level. 

With altars and chapels carved into the rock, the cathedral is a masterpiece in its own right. If you are a history buff wanting to explore old architecture and cultural heritage, you will enjoy a trip to Ziapaquirá very much. 

How to Get There?

To get to Zipaquirá, you can take the bus or taxi to the bus station (Portal del Norte). From there, a 45-minute bus ride will take you to Zipaquirá. The one-way trip will cost you around 5,000 COP. From the bus stop, you must walk 10 minutes into Zipaquirá. The salt mine is located a 5-minute walk away from the center. 

4. Chingaza

The Chingaza National Natural Park is located northeast of Bogotá. It is the main natural water reservoir of Bogotá. This natural treasure is home to some of the most beautiful Andean flora and fauna. 

If you want to visit the Chingaza National Park, you need to submit a request at least 15 days before your intended visit. You can send the request to ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co, or you can call 532400 Ext. 3011 and 3012. 

Visitors are authorized to go only on 5 trails in the park, and 40 visitors are allowed per trail. While a guide is not mandatory for the tour, you may need guided assistance as the paths are unclear. 

How to Get There?

Public transport is not available to take tourists to the Chingaza park entrance. A private vehicle can take you there, which will take around 2 hours. The entrance fee to the park costs around 50,000 COP. 

If you wish to camp, there are camping areas in Monterredondo. You can also stay in cabanas. However, if you only want to make a day trip, it takes 8 to 10 hours. 

Remember to pack clothing to ward off rain and cold weather. You may also need sturdy boots to walk and withstand rough terrains or muddy puddles. 

5. Cascada la Chorrera

The Cascada La Chorrera is one of Colombia’s highest uninterrupted waterfalls. With a height of 590 meters, this natural attraction is a popular tourist site you can visit during a day’s trip out of Bogotá. 

If you wish to stay overnight, you can do so at the designated camping site at the waterfall’s base. While you can visit the waterfall independently, guided tours are also available. 

How to Get There?

To get to La Chorrera, you can take the bus from Bogotá from the Calle 6 con Carrera. A one-way bus ride from Bogotá to La Chorrera will cost 12,500 COP. The entrance to the waterfall is located 5 kms away from where the bus drops you. Getting to the entrance can take around an hour and 45 minutes. Once you get there, you will have to pay 35,000 COP as an entrance fee. 

It takes a further one-hour hike from the entrance to get to the waterfall. The traveling distance is quite a bit so make sure to leave early. If you want a guided tour, it will cost you an additional 10,000 COP. 

6. Suesca 

Want to rock climb? Go to Suesca, the best place for rock climbing in Colombia. While the village features intriguing colonial streets and a historical church, the Las Roca de Suesca is located one kilometer before the Suesca village entrance. 

On your way to the cliff, you will need to stop at the climbing agency and rent the required equipment for the climb. If you want to book a tour, you can also do it at the agency. 

Once you have the gear, follow along the railway path to get to the base of the cliff. The Suesca cliff is 4 km long and has more than 400 routes with varying complexity levels. 

You can plan a day trip to Suesca easily, but a climb can make you weary. You can stay at a hostel in the vicinity or at the campsite in front of the cliff. 

How to Get There? 

To get to Suesca, take the TransMilenio, the bus, or taxi to the Portal del Norte. From there, you can travel to Suesca by bus, but do remember to inform the driver that you want to get off at the Las Rocas de Suesca. 

The trip will take around an hour and cost you around 6,700 COP. 

7. Natural Sumapaz National Park 

If you are a nature lover, plan a day trip to the Natural Sumapaz National Park. Sumapaz is the world’s largest páramo, a rare and unique grassland-shrubland ecosystem. The natural park is home to wildlife, paths, and various rare forms of shrubs and lakes. Natural Sumapaz National Park

Whether you want to hike around the park or take in the beautiful undisturbed sights, Sumapaz Park is the place to be. It is ideal for a day trip to enjoy the park’s natural beauty. 

However, it’s important to note that tourists are not allowed to camp at the park as it is currently undergoing a conservation project. 

It is best to opt for a guided tour to enjoy the park. You can join a guided bike tour and join a group or go with your family. You can also go in a vehicle through the park. But, if you want to get to the highest points, you will need to walk for some distance. 

How to Get There? 

A day trip to Sumapaz from Bogotá can take up to 10 hours. 

To get to the park, you can take the bus to Usme and go to the access point via public transport. The journey will take around 2 hours. 

8. Villa De Leyva 

If you want a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Bogotá, plan a trip to the beautiful Villa De Leyva, located north of Bogotá. The small town features some amazing architecture and is very significant from a historical standpoint, having played an important role in the independence of Colombia. 

The town’s center features many well-preserved colonial buildings. The town also has beautiful parks, shady green areas, restaurants, and hotels. Enjoy the peace and quiet in the town as you stroll along the cobbled streets or the beautiful parks. 

After spending time among the crowds in Bogotá, you will certainly enjoy the slow-paced life in Leyva, even if it is just for a day. 

How to Get There?

To get to Villa de Leyva, you will need to take the bus from Terminal Satelite del Norte, located a little outside the city. There are direct and indirect buses from Bogotá to Villa de Leyva. 

A direct bus will take around 3 hours to take you to Leyva and may cost around 25,000 COP. 

9. Archaeological Museum of Pasca

If you are a history buff and want to explore the remnants from pre-Colonial times, you might be intrigued by the idea of a trip to the Archaeological Museum of Pasca. 

The museum features some of the most significant elements of the Muisca, including mummies of the indigenous tribe. You will also find wildlife from pre-Columbian times. 

How to Get There?

Pasca is located almost 2 hours away from Bogotá. 

A bus ride will take around 2.5 hours and cost you around 53,000 COP. However, taking a taxi will take 1.5 hours to get there and will cost around 110,000 COP. 

10. El Jardin Encantado 

El Jardin Encantado, or The Enchanted Garden, is a mystical wonderland with out-of-this-world sights and natural beauty. Located in Jardin, it is around 52 kms away from Bogotá. It is situated on the bank of the Reeds River. 

It’s a paradise for photographers, nature lovers, environmentalists, and ornithologists who come here to explore and benefit from the beauty of this park. The park is home to varieties of hummingbirds that add to its beauty. There are numerous walking trails, and you can go on any path you want to take in all the sights this place offers. 

The biggest highlight of the garden is sculptures made out of living plants. They are the biggest crowd pullers and the main source of attraction for tourists. 

If you are traveling to Bogotá with your family, you will enjoy a day trip to the El Jardin Encantado. You can take beautiful photographs around the garden and with the sculptures, and shop from the local shops. 

How to Get There? 

The Enchanted Garden is open from Saturday to Sunday from 9 am until 5:30 p.m. You can book the tour in advance if you are traveling during the tourist season. 

The garden is located around 52 kms away from Bogotá, and it will take you around an hour to drive there. 

Frequently Asked Questions – Day Trips From Bogotá 

What Is the Best Thing to Do Near Bogotá? 

While there are many things you can do near Bogotá, some of the best activities include hiking the Cerro De Monserrate, exploring the Salt Cathedral at Zipaquira, or going to the Chorrera Waterfall. 

What Day Trips in Bogotá Are Good for Avoiding Crowds? 

If you want to avoid crowds, a day trip to Villa De Leyva or the Natural Sumapaz Park, the world’s largest Paramo, is a good idea. 

For What Day Trips From Bogotá Do We Need to Take Additional Safety Precautions?

For climbing, trekking, or hiking day trips from Bogotá, safety is crucial. Climbing Cerro de Monserrate or rock climbing at Suesca demands sturdy shoes and appropriate gear. Sunblock is essential, and it’s wise to pack rain gear for unpredictable weather. Thorough research on the destination, packing essential gear, and dressing appropriately are strongly advised before embarking on any day trip.

How To Stay Safe Bogota, Colombia?

When in Bogotá, Colombia, prioritize safety by staying in well-reputed neighborhoods and keeping valuables secure while exploring. Stay informed about local safety conditions and heed any travel advisories to ensure a smooth and secure visit to the city.

Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Conclusion – Day Trips From Bogotá 

While there is no shortage of wonderful things to do and places to see in Bogota itself, day trips from Bogota to various nearby destinations can also offer memorable experiences as you immerse yourself in nature. 

It is easy to go on these day trips, which can be as near as an hour’s drive from the city. Amazing landscapes, historical landmarks, and cultural treasures dating back to pre-Columbian times await you, promising to make your trip more than worthwhile. Standard travelers’ precautions apply. 

Enjoy your forays beyond Bogotá! 

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