If you’re in Bogotá and looking for an escape from the city to enjoy rural tourism and adventure, you’re in luck. The nearby towns offer a fantastic option for those wanting to explore the region’s nature, culture, and cuisine.
Here are some of the towns near Bogotá that you can’t miss:
Guatavita
Located 75 kilometers from Bogotá, Guatavita is famous for its lagoon and pre-Columbian history.
Here, you can enjoy activities like hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and taking in panoramic views of the town. You can also visit the Laguna de Guatavita, a sacred site for the Muisca indigenous people, where offerings and ritual ceremonies were once held.
Villa de Leyva
Villa de Leyva is one of the most popular tourist towns in Colombia. Located 160 kilometers from Bogotá, it’s known for its colonial architecture, cobbled streets, and a wide range of activities for everyone, including museum visits, hiking, cycling, birdwatching, and extreme sports like paragliding.
You can also savor the region’s traditional cuisine and visit the famous central plaza, one of the largest in Latin America.
La Calera
Located just 20 kilometers from Bogotá, this town is known for its mild climate, stunning panoramic views, and as a favorite getaway for Bogotá locals to enjoy nature, fresh air, and beautiful scenery.
Zipaquirá
Situated 49 kilometers from Bogotá, Zipaquirá is renowned for its Salt Cathedral. Here, you can have a unique experience exploring the underground galleries of the salt mine and visiting the Salt Cathedral, considered a marvel of Colombian architecture. You can also try local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, and stroll through historic, culture-rich streets.
Suesca
Suesca, located 62 kilometers from Bogotá, is a popular spot for rock climbing enthusiasts.
Here, you can enjoy various outdoor activities, including climbing, hiking, cycling, and birdwatching. You can also visit La Periquera waterfall, a nature-rich spot with unmatched beauty.
Sopó
The town of Sopó is a great option for those wanting to enjoy a countryside atmosphere without venturing too far from the city. Just 45 minutes from Bogotá, Sopó offers various activities to enjoy nature and local culture.
For outdoor activities, Sopó has several trails for hiking, such as the Ecotourism Park La Chorrera and La Sabana Forest. You can also enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing, and paragliding. Notable landmarks include the Alpina Cabin and Sopó Park.
Ráquira
The picturesque town of Ráquira, about three hours from Bogotá, is known as Colombia’s pottery capital, making it an ideal destination for art and culture lovers.
Here, you’ll find a variety of shops and workshops where local artisans display and sell their creations. Visitors can also participate in workshops to learn how to make their own pottery pieces.
Ráquira offers a peaceful, relaxing environment, perfect for those wanting to escape the city’s hustle and enjoy rural tourism. You can stroll along the town’s cobblestone streets, admire the colonial architecture of historic homes and buildings, and take in the scenic mountain landscapes.
The towns near Bogotá are an excellent option for those who want to enjoy nature and diversity. Each town mentioned in this article offers a unique and different experience for visitors. Make sure to visit them!
