Despite being on the outskirts of one of South America's great metropolises, the towns and rural districts surrounding Bogotá have remained faithful to their ancient traditions and maintain a deep connection with the timeless culture and legends of the Eastern Colombian Andes.
Incredibly, considering the size of the city pressing on its borders, these municipalities are also covered with vast stretches of unspoiled nature that rival parks and remote reserves in much more distant parts of the country.
Among the must-visit districts around the capital are Soacha, with its natural reserves and legendary waterfall; Guatavita, home to a mythical lake whose altitude is impressive; and La Calera, the gateway to the flat and misty landscapes of the Parque Nacional Chingaza.
Attractions and Experiences
Soacha
Many travelers passing through the bustling urban center of Soacha, on the southern outskirts of Bogotá, do not realize that the municipality is largely rural. They also overlook some of the most spectacular landscapes and best boutique nature reserves that the southern edge of the Eastern Colombian Andes has to offer.
The crown jewel of the region is the imposing Tequendama Falls, where the Bogotá River plunges 140 meters over a forested cliff. According to the indigenous Muisca people, the god Bochica struck the cliffs with his staff, creating the waterfall to drain the vast lake that once covered the Bogotá savanna. The falls are best seen during the rainy season when they are at their most impressive.
Another option you won’t regret is visiting the Chicaque Natural Park, which protects 300 hectares of forests and wetlands and offers fantastic trails for hiking, horseback riding, and birdwatching. There are several types of accommodation for all tastes: luxury tents, treehouses, and a hotel, making it the perfect spot for a green and nature-filled getaway.
Nature, Waterfall
Laguna de Guatavita
Although it may seem at first glance like another beautiful forest lake, the mysterious Laguna de Guatavita is where the legend that obsessed treasure-hunting conquistadors was born. This site inspired people to venture deep into the darkest parts of the jungle in pursuit of a dream.
According to local legend, in the middle of this sacred lagoon, the Muisca kings would row, cover themselves in gold dust, and throw offerings made of precious metals into the deep waters. The colonial authorities tried desperately to drain the lagoon to reach the riches below. However, although some pre-Hispanic artifacts have been found, the priceless treasure that drove the conquistadors remains hidden.
Visitors to Laguna de Guatavita can follow a trail through the forested mountains to reach a viewpoint that offers a fantastic view of this sacred body of water.
Archaeological Site, Outdoor Life
Parque Nacional Chingaza
This vast national park ensures the protection of the most stunning páramos of the Eastern Colombian Andes. How can it be accessed? From the small town of La Calera. This unmissable place offers natural experiences just a short distance from the capital. Chingaza covers an impressive 76,000 hectares. Here you’ll find mountains, rivers, lakes, and plains crossed by countless hiking trails. It’s also home to the spectacled bear, deer, monkeys, and a fascinating variety of birds.
The boundaries of Parque Nacional Chingaza include many sacred areas for the Muisca and Guayupe communities, and its hand-carved landscapes inspired several local legends and ancestral knowledge. It’s the perfect place to relax and reflect, enjoy mountain air hikes, and observe wildlife.
To enter, travelers must have a private vehicle and make reservations in advance at the Parque Nacional Chingaza office.
Practical Details
Accommodation
The attractions of Guatavita, Soacha, and La Calera are close enough to visit on a day trip from Bogotá. However, if your goal is to experience nature at a relaxed pace, we recommend staying overnight. Most nature reserves in the area offer on-site lodging, and the town of Guatavita also has a good selection of hotels.
Getting There
Bogotá’s modern El Dorado Airport is ideally located near the attractions of Guatavita, Soacha, and La Calera and offers frequent national and international connections.
