Hello! If you are looking for things to do near Bogotá, you have come to the perfect blog. Here we have selected the 10 best towns, places and tourist sites where you can immerse yourself in nature, history and culture.
In addition, in this travel guide, based on our personal experience, we will teach you how to get there, what to do and where to stay in the towns to visit near Bogotá. We will also give you some tips and recommendations that will be very helpful.
Let’s start with the best things to do near Bogotá:
1. Villa de Leyva, Boyacá
Villa de Leyva is one of the top places to visit near Bogotá, perfect for any time of the year. In this charming cultural and historical destination, you’ll discover cobblestone streets, colonial houses, parks, and numerous captivating museums.
It is one of the municipalities near Bogotá that is part of the prettiest towns in Boyacá. When you visit, be sure to stroll around La Plaza Mayor, visit the Luis Alberto Acuña Museum and the Paleontological Museum, and explore the El Fósil Museum, the Pozos Azules, and the town of Ráquira in the outskirts.
How to get there: Visiting Villa de Leyva is one of the best things to do near Bogotá, as it is very easy to get to. You can take this bus from the Terminal de Transportes Norte, the trip takes 3 hours. You can also book this excursion. Or if you prefer to arrive on your own, here you can rent a car.
Recommended accommodations in Villa de Leyva: Hotel Casa Cantabria Campestre, Selina, Casa de Campo Hotel & Spa, Casa Cantabria Hotel and Family Hostel. It is very important to book accommodation in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the weekend.
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Tips for Booking Good, Cheap, and Cheerful Accommodation: If you wait until the last minute, it’s very likely that the best and most economical accommodations will already be booked, and you’ll have to settle for what is available.
Booking.com is our preferred website for booking accommodations without having to pay in advance. If you click here, you can get a discount of 15% or more. After entering your destination and travel date, you can filter by price, location, accommodation type, and read reviews from other travelers.
By frequently booking through Booking.com, you can access exclusive discounts, enjoy free breakfasts, and receive better rooms at no additional cost. This will help you secure more economical rates and additional benefits that will allow you to save on your trip.
Click here to book accommodation with a discount of 15% or more!
2. Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral: One of the most popular excursions from Bogotá
The Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral is another of the best places to explore around Bogotá, especially if you are passionate about religious tourism. This beautiful Catholic temple, built inside a salt mine 180 meters underground, is an architectural gem considered one of the wonders of Colombia.
Zipaquirá is one of the must-see spots near Bogotá. There, you can visit the Salt Cathedral, explore its charming historic center, photograph buildings that retain their colonial style, and savor its rich gastronomy, which includes dishes like ajiaco and puchero santafereño.
To get to the Salt Cathedral from Bogotá, you have several options. You can get there on your own by renting a vehicle at this link, booking this organized tour, or taking a bus from the Terminal del Norte to Zipaquirá and then a taxi to the cathedral.
Tip: Although Zipaquirá is one of the best towns near Bogotá to visit in a day, it is also a great destination to spend a weekend with the family. We recommend staying at: Hotel Camino de la Sal, Hotel Cacique Real, Azalea Hotel, Hotel Boutique MR and Hotel Estación Sabana.
Book your lodging now in Zipaquirá
Check availability for the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá Day Trip
How to Book the Salt Cathedral Day Tour? It’s super easy! Just click here to view the tour details, what’s included, and the price. Then, select your preferred date, the number of passengers, and click "Book" to enter your information and proceed with payment.
Keep in mind, the Salt Cathedral tour is available every day of the year. You can choose between two time slots, and the tour lasts approximately 8 hours. It includes round-trip transportation from Bogotá, entry to the cathedral, an audio guide, and a stroll through Zipaquirá’s historic center.
The great thing about booking these Bogotá tours, is that after scheduling your experience, you’ll receive instant confirmation. Plus, if anything comes up, you can reschedule or cancel up to 24 hours before the activity begins.
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3. Chingaza National Natural Park
If you are a passionate ecotourism traveler looking for fun things to do near Bogotá, Chingaza is the perfect destination for nature lovers. It is one of the most fascinating natural parks in Colombia, where you can experience the páramo ecosystem, one of the greatest natural treasures of the Andes Mountains.
So, if you are passionate about hiking outdoors, one of the best day trips from Bogotá is to visit the Chingaza National Natural Park. Although the park is very large and has several trails, our favorite place for its natural beauty is the Lagunas de Siecha.
On the Lagunas de Siecha trail you will find three beautiful bodies of water of glacial origin, where part of the ancient Muisca culture and civilization developed, and which today remains a crucial habitat for many species of flora and fauna, such as frailejones, spectacled bears and white-tailed deer.
Important: To visit Chingaza it is necessary to have a prior reservation and the accompaniment of a guide. In addition, to get to the different entrances of the park you will need a 4×4 vehicle. Therefore, we advise you to book this excursion which includes transportation from Bogotá, entry permits and guides.
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To book the Chingaza day tour with transportation from Bogotá, simply click this link to check available dates, what’s included, the itinerary, and pricing. After selecting your preferred date, you’ll need to register and can secure your spot by paying a 30% deposit of the total cost.
The tour to the Lagunas de Siecha starts at 6:30 a.m. and finishes around 6:00 p.m. It includes round-trip transportation from Bogotá, a snack-style lunch, medical assistance insurance, and guidance from environmental interpreters (spanish). Be sure to book early to secure your spot!
Check Chingaza day tour prices and details from Bogotá!
4. Laguna de Guatavita: beautiful places near Bogotá
Another of the best things to do near Bogotá is to visit the town of Guatavita, located in the department of Cundinamarca, just 1 hour and a half from the capital. It is a beautiful colonial-style town, surrounded by lots of nature and home to an enormous cultural legacy.
This is also one of the nearby destinations from Bogotá where you can wander through charming streets, sail on the Tominé Reservoir, discover the cultural heritage of the ancient pre-Hispanic peoples who once inhabited the Cundiboyacense highlands, and, of course, explore the famous Legend of El Dorado at Guatavita Lagoon.
How to get there: The lagoon is 20 kilometers from the town of Guatavita. Despite being one of the most important tourist places near Bogotá, there is no public transport route that directly connects the capital with the lagoon. You will have to travel in your own vehicle, or join this tour.
Recommended accommodations: Abadia de Tomine, El Alpino Cabaña, Glamping La Villa, Benigno Mirador and Glamping Claro de Luna. By the way, Guatavita and its surroundings are some of the best places to spend the night glamping.
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Check availability for the Guatavita Lagoon tour
Ready to book your tour to Guatavita Lagoon?, Click here to explore a detailed description of the experience, including all included services and pricing (you can change the currency at the top). Then, simply select your desired date and the number of participants, and click "Book" to enter your information and complete your payment.
Keep in mind that the Guatavita Lagoon tour is available from Tuesday to Sunday and lasts approximately 12 hours. The package includes round-trip transportation from Bogotá, entrance fees, and a guided visit to both the lagoon and the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá. We recommend booking in advance.
The best part about reserving with Civitatis, is that you’ll receive instant confirmation once your payment is processed. Plus, if you encounter any issues or need to cancel or reschedule, you can get a full refund up to 24 hours before the activity.
Book your Guatavita Lagoon tour now!
5. Monguí, Boyacá
The town of Monguí is one of the must-visit attractions near Bogotá on your next trip to Colombia. There, you can stroll through its streets to appreciate its colonial architecture, local customs, and the beautiful mountain landscapes that surround it. In short, it is one of the most beautiful towns in Colombia.
So, if you’re looking for the best things to do near Bogotá, we suggest visiting Monguí, Boyacá. When you do, be sure to check out the Basilica, the Franciscan Convent, the Calicanto Bridge, and a handcrafted ball workshop. Also, spend a day exploring the Páramo Ocetá.
How to get there: From the capital, the first step is to get to the town of Sogamoso and then continue to Monguí. The journey takes around 3 and a half hours. Although the trip seems long, we assure you that this is one of the best things to do near Bogotá. If you are traveling in a group, consider renting a car here.
In Monguí, we recommend you stay at: Monguí Plaza Hotel, De La Villa Pa Sumercé, Portal de la Cascada, Hotel Portón de Ocetá, Hospedaje Bella Vista and Hotel Calicanto Real Café Museo.
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Are you planning to travel abroad? When planning an international trip, we tend to focus on choosing destinations, accommodations, and tours, but we forget that we can get sick, have an accident, be robbed, or need to return home earlier than expected due to a family member’s hospitalization.
If you want to travel with peace of mind and avoid worrying about excessive medical expenses or unexpected logistical issues, it’s essential to purchase international travel insurance. Moreover, in many Latin American and European countries, having travel insurance is mandatory to enter.
With this international insurance, you’ll have extensive coverage and 24/7 assistance via phone, email, or WhatsApp. To purchase the insurance, click here, choose the start date of your trip and its duration. The insurance is valid for any destination and can be purchased up to 72 hours before the departure date.
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6. Hiking Páramo Sumapaz: best things to do near Bogotá
The Sumapaz Moor is located on the outskirts of Bogotá, at the southern end of the city and between the mountains of the eastern Andes mountain range. It is the largest moor in the world and, at the same time, one of the most important water sources in Colombia.
It is important to clarify that ecotourism is not permitted within the Sumapaz National Park; however, it is possible to explore the buffer zone of the moor with local guides. This allows visitors to understand the importance of caring for this valuable ecosystem and discover one of the most naturally rich places to visit close to Bogotá.
Recommended Tour: Guided hike through the authorized trail in the Sumapaz Páramo. This tour starts at 6:45 AM, lasts approximately 9 hours, and includes round-trip transportation from Bogotá, a snack lunch, and guided support (spanish).
To book your hike in Sumapaz, click here now, select your desired date, register with your email, enter the number of participants, and confirm your reservation by paying 30% of the total tour price.
Check the price and details of the Sumapaz day tour!
Recommended: Bogota Private Tour: Monserrate, Gold Museum and Botero
7. Lake Tota, Boyacá
Another attraction near Bogotá that combines beautiful scenery with an enormous cultural wealth is Lake Tota. This lake is located 3,015 meters above sea level, making it the second highest navigable lake in South America, surpassed only by Lake Titicaca on the border between Peru and Bolivia.
Lake Tota is located between the municipalities of Aquitania, Iza, Tota and Cuítiva. In these towns to visit near Bogotá you can explore the islands of the lake, visit the beautiful Playa Blanca and enjoy rural life. In addition, you can spend the night in hotels with incredible views, such as Cabañas El Olimpo.
To get to Lake Tota, you must go to the municipality of Sogamoso and from there continue to Aquitania, which is the closest town to the lake. By private vehicle, you must leave the capital via the Autopista Norte. This is one of the activities around Bogotá that will take you on a 5-hour land trip.
Recommended accommodations on the lake: Noah’s Ark , Refugio Génesis, Cabañas El Olimpo, Hotel El Camino Real, Playa Blanca Glamping Bethél, Glamping Aldea Muisca and Hotel Termales El Batan.
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You may be interested in: Bogotá´s Barrios: El Paraíso Favela Tour with Cable Car
Tip: If you want to uncover the most surprising secrets of Bogotá’s historic center, you must book this free walking tour! Available every day of the year at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, the tour lasts approximately 3 hours and includes visits to the city’s most important monuments, squares, and landmarks.
Booking the free tour of Bogotá’s center is super easy! Just click here, select your desired date and time, and enter the number of participants. Remember, at the end of the tour, it’s customary to support your guide’s work with a tip that reflects the quality of service.
Book your free tour of Bogotá now!
8. Climbing in Suesca: Fun things to do near Bogotá
Suesca is one of the tourist places near Bogotá, located just 1 hour from the capital. It is famous for being home to the largest climbing park in Colombia, and no wonder, as its impressive rock formations make it a perfect place for adrenaline lovers.
When you’re wondering what to do around Bogota? remember that Suesca offers the chance to learn climbing safely and challenge yourself on one of the more than 300 available routes. Additionally, you’ll find other adventure activities such as bungee jumping, mountain biking and hiking.
Suesca is one of the best towns near Bogotá, and getting there on your own is very simple. You just need to go to the Portal Norte de Transmilenio and take a bus that will take you approximately 1 hour. In Suesca, we recommend staying at: Niddo Suesca, Casona Quesada, Hotel Rural La Esperanza and Villa Rosita.
Tip: If you’re planning to travel to Colombia from abroad, with this Holafly eSIM, you’ll have unlimited data and keep your number for calls and WhatsApp without worrying about expensive roaming fees. Also, remember to get international medical insurance.
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How to Find Last-Minute Cheap Flights? While it is important to plan your trip in advance, we understand that it’s not always possible. So, if you are looking for affordable tickets to travel soon and save some money, we recommend using Skyscanner.
Skyscanner.com is a tool that allows you to compare flights from different airlines to find the best rates. To use it, click here, enter the departure and destination cities, and the travel date. With this information, it will search for the most affordable options, and you can choose based on price or layovers.
Is it safe to buy flights on Skyscanner? It depends. After selecting a flight, you’ll see a list of links from various airlines and agencies. The safest way is to purchase your tickets through the airline´s link. If you decide to buy from an agency, you should be a bit more cautious.
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9. La Vega, Cundinamarca
La Vega, Cundinamarca, is one of the towns near Bogotá with a warm climate, where you can enjoy ecological walks and bird watching in its forests. This destination is recognized for its natural landscapes and ecotourism attractions, such as Laguna El Tabacal and Cascadas del Chupal.
If you are looking for day trips from Bogotá, in the rural area of La Vega you can walk along country paths and farmhouses that connect Laguna El Tabacal with Cascadas del Chupal. On this route, you can visit 5 waterfalls where you can take a refreshing swim. In addition, it is an excellent place to spend the weekend.
Recommended accommodations in La Vega: Ecohotel Monteverde, Jaragual Hostel, Villa Hermosa, Tambo Eco Hotel, La Finestra Spa Hotel Boutique, Hotel Cafetero Valparaíso and Hotel El Ancla.
If you are not in Bogotá and have not yet purchased your flights, here are some links so you can check the prices of tickets on the dates you need and from the city you prefer (you can change the currency and language from the button located at the top right):
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✈️ Flights from Cartagena to Bogotá
How to rent a car easily, safely, and affordably? Click here to select the city and the date for vehicle pickup, as well as the pickup and drop-off times. Then, click the "Search" button to find the best available deals.
Once you’ve found the perfect car for you, you can opt for premium insurance to protect against damages or theft. Plus, enjoy the flexibility to cancel your reservation up to 48 hours before pick-up for a full refund.
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10. Pueblito Boyacense: Attractions near Bogotá
Pueblito Boyacense, located in the municipality of Duitama, is one of the best places to visit during the Christmas season. During this time, it comes alive with lights and festive charm, making it the perfect spot to enjoy the holiday decorations and immerse yourself in the culture of one of Colombia’s most captivating regions.
The rest of the year, this destination is one of the places to visit close to Bogotá where the main plan is to walk around the town. In reality, it is a residential complex that houses cafes, restaurants, craft shops and houses that recreate the traditional architecture of the towns of Boyacá.
This is one of the best things to do near Bogotá because it’s so easy to get to. You can reach the town of Duitama by bus or by car, with the trip taking around 3 hours. Pueblito Boyacense is just 10 minutes from downtown Duitama and the entrance fee is very cheap.
Best accommodations in Pueblito Boyacense: Casa Posada Maestro Carlos Aranguren, Hotel Los Geranios, Hotel Boutique Samay, Frailejones Tourist Apartment and Cactus Living. In Duitama: Libélula Glamping and Hotel Plaza Mayor.
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How to Organize Your Trip in 3 Simple Steps | Planning a trip can be overwhelming, especially when you’re short on time. But by following these 3 steps, you’ll be able to organize it quickly:
First: Choose your destination and set your budget. Once you’ve picked where you want to go, determine how much you’re willing to spend. This will help you narrow down options for accommodation, transportation, and activities.
Second: Research the places you want to visit. Check schedules, prices, and availability for tours. On our website, travelgrafia.co, you’ll find over 100 travel guides to help you plan your next adventure through Latin America.
Third: Book in advance! If you’re flying, you can find flights here and bus tickets here. Reserve your accommodation here, and schedule guided tours, excursions y and free walking tours to secure your spot.
Finally, don’t forget to pack everything you’ll need: weather-appropriate clothes, toiletries, medications, and all necessary documents (boarding pass, ID, and international travel insurance).
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Bonus, things to do near Bogotá: La Chorrera de Choachí
It would be impossible to complete this list of things to do near Bogotá without mentioning La Chorrera in the municipality of Choachí, a hidden gem just outside the city. Although not widely known, this tourist spot offers the chance to explore cloud forests and visit the waterfalls La Chorrera and El Chiflón.
La Chorrera, standing at an impressive 590 meters, is the tallest stepped waterfall in Colombia, while El Chiflón, with a height of 55 meters, is perfect for extreme sports. Undoubtedly, this is one of the must-see destinations near Bogotá.
To get there from the capital, you must go to the La Victoria area in the municipality of Choachí, Cundinamarca. From that point, it is 4 kilometers to the La Chorrera Adventure Park. In Choachí you can stay at: Chalets Huitaca, Cabaña Campestre Miraluna, AltaGrazia and Cabaña Santa Helena.
Recommended: Private tour to La Chorrera waterfalls with transportation from Bogotá. The tour lasts approximately 9 hours and starts at 8:30 a.m. It includes round-trip transportation, a guided hike, a bilingual local guide, park entrance, breakfast, and lunch. Tours available every day.
Check pricing and full tour details now!
Other organized trips you might be interested in:
Recommended Tour: Nevado El Cocuy from Bogotá - 4 Days / 3 Nights
This guided tour starts in Bogotá, from where you will travel overnight to El Cocuy. Upon arrival, you will take an acclimatization hike. The next day, you will visit one of the three authorized trails in the National Park. On the last day, you can explore the small towns of Güicán and Guacamayas or visit the hot springs.
The trip includes round-trip transportation from Bogotá, accommodation in a private room, meals, entry fees and permits for the national park, experienced guides, and travel insurance. Please note that the guides only speak Spanish.
Scheduled Dates 2024: October 24-27, October 31-November 3, November 8-11, November 21-24, November 28-December 1, December 5-8, December 12-15, and December 19-22.
Price per person starting from: $818,000 COP
Recommended tour: Ciudad Perdida from Santa Marta - 4 days / 3 nights
This 4-day trip to Ciudad Perdida includes 4x4 transportation from Santa Marta. We can pick you up in the historic center, El Rodadero, Taganga, or downtown Minca, and drop you off at the entrance of Tayrona on the way back.
The tour also includes accommodation in local campesino and indigenous camps, all meals, hydration, a bilingual guide (English and Spanish), a guided tour, entrance fees, and medical assistance insurance.
Guaranteed departures every day!
Discounted price per person: $1,800,000 COP
Sale valid for travel until December 31, 2024. After that, the regular rate will be $2,150,000 COP.
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