Day Trips from Bogota

If you plan to visit Bogotá, the first challenge you will have to overcome is to put together an effective itinerary to include all the activities the city has to offer. However, you'll also have to find time to discover some of the attractions around the Colombian capital, which are known for their natural wonders and for showcasing the local culture.

Some of the best things to do in Bogotá include hiking in the Sumapaz National Park, visiting Villa de Leyva on a full-day tour, discovering the Chingaza Natural Park, exploring the coffee plantations around the Colombian capital and visiting the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, an iconic religious building carved out of a salt flat.

Located a short distance from Bogotá, the Sumapaz National Park is a natural haven of Colombian biodiversity and offers hikers a unique getaway from the hustle and bustle of the capital and some of the best scenery in the region.

The hiking excursion from Bogotá to Sumapaz National Park reveals the visual spectacle that this site has to offer. As you meander along the winding trails, you'll get panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. In addition, the geographic diversity of the region will allow you to spot local flora and fauna, ranging from colourful orchids to native endemic birds.

On these tours you will have the opportunity to discover the biodiversity of this park, but also the glacial lakes and crystalline rivers that add a magical touch to the experience, offering you a harmonious connection between the natural environment and its inhabitants. With the assistance of an expert local guide, you can also dive into the cultural history of this site, which is revealed through the archaeological remains.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 103 euros per person.
• Duration: about 8 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will get to know one of the sites near Bogota that presents the rich biodiversity of the region.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: the tour will take you through very demanding trails, so they are not recommended for the elderly or people with reduced mobility.

If you want to visit a historical and cultural gem, located just a few hours by bus from Bogotá, you can't miss Villa de Leyva, a picturesque colonial town with cobblestone streets and preserved architecture, which offers travellers a unique experience, transporting them on a journey back in time to early Hispanic Colombia.

Villa de Leyva is known for its Plaza Mayor, which is one of the largest in Latin America and a place that breathes history in every corner. Surrounded by well-preserved colonial buildings, the square is the perfect setting to soak up the relaxed atmosphere of the town. Here visitors can explore museums, craft shops and restaurants offering local gastronomic delights.

This destination is not only an open-air museum, but is also home to a number of fascinating archaeological sites. The dinosaur fossils on display at the Museo Paleontológico de Villa de Leyva offer a window into the region's prehistoric past. In addition, you will also find samples of pre-Columbian art.

Thus, Villa de Leyva presents itself as one of the best destinations to escape the hectic routine of Bogotá. With its rich history, well-preserved architecture and inescapable natural beauty, this colonial town is a perfect trip for those looking for a relaxing experience within easy reach of the Colombian capital.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 171 euros per person.
• Duration: about 12 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will get to know one of the best preserved colonial towns in the region.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: they are full-day experiences, so they might not be compatible with a short stay in the Colombian capital.

Chingaza Natural Park is a natural sanctuary that offers a getaway for those looking to experience Colombia's varied flora and fauna. These excursions from Bogotá will allow you to discover the natural wonders of the region as well as some of the best sunsets around the Colombian capital.

As with the trails in Sumapaz National Park, Chingaza is home to a variety of species endemic to the region. As you explore this site, you'll come across lagoons and moorlands that provide natural habitats for birds such as the Andean condor and the hummingbird paramuno. In addition, you can also get to know the flora of the area, which is characterised by giant frailejones.

However, the importance of the Chingaza Natural Park lies not only in its scenic beauty, but also in its vital role as a source of water for the region. The lagoons and rivers that rise from its elevations supply water to the Colombian capital and nearby cities, making it a crucial ecosystem for water sustainability, which is why its visit is often recommended in the best tours of Bogotá.

All in all, a trip to the Chingaza Natural Park from Bogotá will allow you to experience one of the best landscapes in the area, but also to discover Colombia's biodiversity and understand the crucial connection between nature and the sustainability of the water supply.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 137 euros per person.
• Duration: about 6 and a half hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will get to know one of the natural wonders of the surroundings of Bogota, which also plays a central role in the region's water supply.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: because they are half-day tours, you will not have free time to explore the site on your own, but only as part of the guided tours.

If you want to live one of the most important cultural experiences in Colombia, you can join a tour to discover the coffee plantations around Bogotá. These excursions, which will take you to places like Zipaquirá and Fusagasugá, will allow you to discover the secrets behind the production of Colombian coffee, known for its quality and flavour the world over.

Zipaquirá, famous for its salt cathedral, is also home to picturesque coffee plantations that offer unique experiences for lovers of this popular beverage. A tour of these fields will immerse you in the history of the crop, from planting to harvesting to the roasting process. You can indulge in coffee tastings while enjoying the mountainous landscape that surrounds the region and plays a vital role in the development of the bean.

Fusagasugá is also distinguished by its climate, which is conducive to the cultivation of high quality coffee. As you explore its coffee plantations, you will discover the dedication and care that local farmers put into their work. In addition, you will have the opportunity to participate in the harvest during the spring season, a hands-on experience that will connect you to the very essence of coffee culture.

These tours of coffee plantations around Bogotá offer not only a sensory experience, but also an immersion into the history of coffee in Colombia. From its indigenous roots to its impact on the economy and culture, you will discover how this beverage has shaped the identity of this South American country.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 84 euros per person.
• Duration: between 8 and 9 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will take part in one of Colombia's typical experiences and get to know the local culture through one of the most representative products of the country and the region.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: although you will visit several cities that are home to coffee plantations, you will not have time to visit these places, you will only get to know them in passing during these tours.

One of the most striking attractions around Bogotá is the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, an architectural monument that stands as an underground wonder and one of Colombia's most visited pilgrimage destinations. Carved into the depths of a salt mine, this underground cathedral is an engineering masterpiece that fuses spirituality with the majesty of nature.

The history of this site dates back to the mid-20th century, when miners decided to carve a sanctuary in the bowels of the salt mountain. What was initially a place of prayer for the workers was eventually transformed into an underground cathedral, with chapels and altars carved out of salt, which is now included in Bogotá's best tour circuits.

This structure, however, is not only a testament to human creativity, but also a place of great spiritual importance. The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá attracts pilgrims and visitors alike, offering a sacred space. The sculptures and Stations of the Cross carved in salt bring the Christian story to life, making the visit a unique experience that combines the mundane with the sacred.

Therefore, a tour of the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirawill allow you to discover one of the most interesting sites around Bogota.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 54 euros per person.
• Duration: between 7 and 8 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will be able to discover one of the most emblematic sites around Bogota and one of the most visited attractions in the region.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: they do not include night-time options, which is when the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral shows one of its best sides.

A hiking trip to La Chorrera waterfall from Bogotá is an adventure tour that will allow you to discover the natural beauty of Colombia's landscapes. Just two hours away from the capital, this trip will take you through winding paths and dense forests, offering a perfect getaway for nature lovers.

The La Chorrera waterfall, one of the highest in Colombia at almost 600 metres, is the final reward of an adventure circuit that will allow you to explore the jungle horizons around Bogotá.

When you reach the waterfall, you can swim in the crystal-clear waters or hike the trails and take in the panoramic views of the region. In any case, these experiences will allow you to get to know one of the most popular natural sites in the vicinity of the Colombian capital.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 85 euros per person.
• Duration: between 8 and 9 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will get to know one of the most beautiful natural sites in Colombia and participate in an adventurous experience.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: not recommended for children or people with reduced mobility, due to the demanding nature of the hike.

You can book these tours in advance online or book them once you are in Bogota, although if you plan to visit the city during the summer or high season months, the experiences may sell out or increase in price due to last minute bookings. It is for this reason that I advise you to book tours prior to your arrival in the capital.

Booking in advance will also allow you to put together an effective itinerary, which is ideal if you need to save time because you plan to visit Bogota in 3 days or even less.

Many of the excursions around vibrant Bogotá include visits to natural sites, so before you do anything else, I advise you to check weather conditions and wear comfortable clothing suitable for the climate. Temperatures in the region can vary and, unlike Colombia's Caribbean coast, can be very cold, so always pack warmly .

On the other hand, plan your itinerary in advance and make sure you know the schedules and logistical details of your excursion. This will allow you to maximise your time and enjoy all the attractions without any hitches. Also, do some research on the culture and history of the places you will be visiting to enrich your experience with background knowledge.

Also keep in mind that many of these tours are full day tours and start very early in the morning. So I advise you not to make any other plans during the tour days, apart from the fact that you will be able to enjoy Bogotá in the evening when you return to the city.

Finally, be mindful of the environment and the local community. Respect the rules and regulations of the place you visit, and try to minimise your environmental impact. Remember that many of the sites you will visit, such as Chingaza and Sumapaz, are national parks and therefore follow strict conservation regulations.

A trip from Bogotá is recommended because of the diversity of experiences offered by sites close to the city. The Colombian capital, rich in culture and urban attractions, serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the natural and cultural treasures found in its surroundings, ranging from landscapes and national parks to well-preserved colonial villages.

In addition, tours from Bogotá allow you to discover Colombia's geographic and climatic diversity in a short trip. From the paramos and lagoons of the Chingaza National Park to the vast expanses of coffee plantations in the surrounding countryside, each excursion offers a unique experience that reflects the country's natural richness. These tours are so popular that in many cases they include direct transfers from Bogotá airport.

Exploring the area around the capital will also give you the opportunity to learn about Colombian history and culture. Visits to sites such as the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá offer a fascinating insight into the local creativity and spirituality rooted in the region, and towns such as Villa de Leyva will give you an insight into life in Colombia during Hispanic times.

Choosing the best time to tour from Bogotá will depend largely on the destinations you plan to visit. The dry season, which runs from December to March, is particularly attractive for visiting places like the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá or hiking in natural parks like Chingaza, as it minimises the chance of rain and makes it easier to access trails and places of interest.

For exploring coffee plantations, the harvest season, which usually runs from April to June and October to December, can offer a more complete experience. During these periods, the fields are at their best and you will have the opportunity to participate in coffee picking, immersing yourself in the authenticity of the Colombian tradition.