Weekend getaway from Bogota · #7 of 10
Honda
A steamy colonial river port on the Magdalena, all cobbled lanes, historic bridges and the lovely El Alto Rosario stone church. Average temps near 30 C make it the cultured way to escape Bogota's chill.
Need to thaw out from Bogota's freeze? Honda is your ticket. This gorgeous Pueblo Patrimonio on the Magdalena river used to be Colombia's main port. Today, it is all cobbled streets, over 40 bridges, a stunning stone church, and sunny 30 C afternoons. With cool new eateries and boutique hotels bringing the old town back to life, you will definitely want to stay the night. Trust me, the heat here makes doing absolutely nothing feel like an art form.
Getting there
A scenic 145 km drive where the temperature climbs 15 degrees as you drop. Guaduas is the perfect midway spot to stretch your legs and grab a coffee.
Catch an early morning bus to get there by lunchtime. The views as you descend the valley are beautiful in the morning light.
Day 1 - Saturday
Trading the mountain chill for tropical river vibes- 17:00 AMDrive
Roll west out of Bogota
Beat the Bogota traffic and start cruising down the mountain. Watch the thermometer climb and peel off those layers as the warm valley air hits you.
📍 Bogota, Colombia
- 29:30 AMSight
Leg-stretch in colonial Guaduas
Stretch your legs in Guaduas, a lovely colonial pueblo of cobbled streets. Fun fact: it is the birthplace of independence heroine Policarpa Salavarrieta (the face on the old 10,000 peso note!).
📍 Guaduas, Cundinamarca
Tip · Grab a coffee in the main plaza - it is the ultimate halfway road-trip ritual.
- 312:00 PMFood
Riverside lunch in Honda
Welcome to the heat! Head straight for fresh river fish served with crispy patacones. Visit in February when the Magdalena rises and the fishing season officially kicks off for the absolute best catch.
📍 Honda, Tolima
- 42:00 PMSight
Wander the Calle de las Trampas
This iconic, crooked colonial alley is all thick whitewashed walls and colorful shutters. Do not rush - the whole neighborhood is made for losing yourself in.
📍 Calle de las Trampas, Honda
Tip · Save your walking for early morning or late afternoon - that mid-day sun is no joke!
- 53:30 PMSight
El Alto Rosario church
This striking stone church is the ultimate postcard view of Honda, standing proud over the historic center's tiled rooftops.
📍 Iglesia El Alto Rosario, Honda
- 64:30 PMActivity
Bridges at the meeting of two rivers
They call Honda the City of Bridges for a reason - there are over 40 crossing the waters. Stroll the historic riverside spans near the junction where the Guali flows into the mighty Magdalena.
📍 Rio Magdalena, Honda
Tip · Catch the sunset from the bridges over the Magdalena - the light on the water is magic.
- 77:00 PMFood
Dinner in the new Honda
A cool crowd of creatives has transformed old historic spaces into chic new eateries. Find a breezy courtyard table and plan for a late dinner - it only starts cooling down after sunset.
📍 Honda, Tolima
- 89:00 PMStay
Sleep in the historic center
Charming boutique hotels now occupy beautifully restored colonial homes. Make sure your place has a pool and a strong fan - those river valley nights stay delightfully warm.
📍 Honda, Tolima
Tip · Make your reservations early if you are visiting on a holiday long weekend!
Day 2 - Sunday
Market bites and lazy river watching- 97:30 AMFood
Breakfast at the produce market
This bustling indoor market is the beating heart of Honda. Get here early to enjoy mountains of fresh tropical fruit, busy juice stands, and a delicious, budget-friendly local breakfast.
📍 Mercado de Honda, Honda
- 109:00 AMSight
History walk through the port quarter
From 1850 to 1910, every single import to Bogota passed right through here. Explore the historic warehouses and riverfront in this grand, beautifully preserved Pueblo Patrimonio.
📍 Honda, Tolima
- 1110:30 AMActivity
Watch the river go by
Grab a shady spot by the river and watch locals fish, just like steamboat passengers did a century ago. Come in February for the subienda, when the river comes alive with fish.
📍 Rio Magdalena, Honda
- 1211:30 AMActivity
Pool siesta before lunch
By 11:30 AM, the temperature easily climbs past 30 C. Take a cue from the locals: hide away by your hotel pool and nap through the absolute hottest part of the day.
📍 Honda, Tolima
- 131:00 PMFood
One last long lunch
Savor one last feast of fresh river fish or a traditional, comforting Tolimense plate before you start the trek back up the mountain.
📍 Honda, Tolima
- 142:30 PMDrive
Climb back up to Bogota
It is uphill all the way back to Bogota, so keep a warm sweater handy for your arrival. Plan to hit the road early enough to beat the darkness.
📍 Honda, Tolima
Where to eat
Enjoy it grilled or fried alongside crispy patacones. The prime time is starting in February when the seasonal run brings local anglers flocking to the riverbanks.
Think colorful piles of exotic fruits, freshly squeezed juices, and hearty local breakfasts. Get there early before the day heats up!
A fresh wave of creative spots in stunningly restored colonial houses. Definitely opt for a table in a breezy courtyard.
When to go
Count on sunny 33 C days year-round, making this the perfect tropical escape whenever Bogota gets too cold for comfort.
This is the famous subienda fishing season, when the rising river brings an abundance of fresh fish to every table in town.
The rainy season brings quick, refreshing showers, though the afternoon humidity can get a bit sticky.
Good to know
- Work around the heat: do your exploring early or late, and escape to a pool or hammock when the afternoon sun peaks.
- Holiday long weekends get busy! Book your boutique stay well in advance to beat the crowds from Bogota.
- Do not rush the drive: a coffee stop in colonial Guaduas breaks up the trip beautifully.
- Lather on the sunscreen and carry plenty of water - that river valley sun packs a much bigger punch than in the capital.
