Bogotá is really, really relentless. There are always things to do, places to go, people to see, drinks to be drunk. Sometimes you just need to get away from it all... But not for too long. Bogotá has this habit of making you want to escape after a while, and then quickly drawing you back.

That’s why I think 1 day treks are a great idea. See some nature, enjoy the fresh air, explore and get fit, but be back in good time for your friend’s party the next day. There are tons of treks to be done outside Bogotá (and day-trips too, like Zipaquira Salt Cathedral), but I’ve managed to wittle it down to my 3 favourites. Here they are:

La Chorrera Waterfall




Too few people know about this little gem, probably thanks to the fact it doesn’t appear in guidebooks. It’s baffling that it’s so, since La Chorrera is the tallest waterfall in Colombia, cascading from a height of 590m.

It’s only 45 minutes from Colombia’s bustling capital, so there’s really no excuse to fail to visit. You get great views of the surrounding mountains, a nice trek and a decent meal to boot. If you’re not in your best shape, no worries, the hike is pretty simple. You’ll take 45 minutes to get to the entrance of ‘El Chiffon’, then an hour and a quarter to get to the bottom of the waterfall.

Those who have been return to Bogotá wondering how this place isn’t firmly on the tourist trail, and you’ll be asking the same.

Chingaza Natural Park




About an hour away from Bogotá, on the border between Cundinamarca and Meta,  is Chingaza Natural Park - a truly off-the-beaten-track destination. Full of desolate landscapes, you’ll enjoy stunning views of mountains, lakes and wildlife. You’ll also experience the hot, cold, cloudy, rainy and... Well more rain and cold. But don’t let that put you off, since Chingaza is a truly unforgettable experience, especially for those that think they have to travel far from Bogotá to enjoy a good hike in nature.

The Birth of the Bogotá River




So off-the-beaten-track you actually need permission to go there, The Birth of the Bogotá River is located in the spectacular natural reserve of Guacheneque, which boasts a unique and incredible ecosystem.

Trekking the area you’ll see great views of the surrounding hills, as well as a lagoon that’s shaped like Colombia (se supone...) and a beautiful waterfall.

It’s about an hour and half from Bogotá, so allow for the entire day to be taken up by the visit. The hike itself isn’t challenging, and should be easy enough for all levels of trekkers.

Interested? You should be. This one requires some planning, but that’s easy when you’ve got those helpful folks from France over at Off2Colombia to help you out. Check out their page on the Birth of the Bogotá River.