Weekend getaway from Bogota · #5 of 10
La Chorrera & Choachi
Hike cloud forest to La Chorrera, Colombia's tallest waterfall (590 m), walk behind the water curtain of El Chiflon, then soak in Choachi's hot springs and refuel at its famous Swiss restaurant.
Ready for an escape? Colombia's tallest waterfall, La Chorrera, is a stunning 590m cascade hidden in lush cloud forest just east of Bogota. Combine this wild hike with a dip in Choachi's hot springs, a legendary Swiss restaurant, and a scenic mountain drive.
Getting there
This route shoots straight out of downtown, dodging the usual northbound traffic jam. Keep your eyes peeled for potholes; hit the turnoff at km 24, then follow the 4km bumpy dirt track to the gate.
Costs only about COP 7,000-10,000. Just ask the driver to let you off at the La Chorrera junction, then hop on a local mototaxi to zip across the final 4km to the entrance.
Day trip - Saturday
Chase epic waterfalls, then melt into thermal hot springs- 16:30 AMDrive
Drive out over the mountain pass
Wind up and away from the city on the gorgeous Choachi switchbacks. Grab roadside coffee and snacks as spectacular Andean valley views unfold from the very first curve.
📍 Bogota, Colombia
Tip · Go mid-week if you can; otherwise, definitely hit the road by 6:30 AM to beat the weekend rush.
- 28:00 AMSight
Check in at Parque Aventura La Chorrera
Welcome to a lush, community-run reserve spanning 30-plus hectares of pristine forest. Pay entry, grab your trail map, and fill up your water before hitting the trail.
📍 Parque Aventura La Chorrera, Choachi
Tip · Pick a ticket that suits you, from simple trail access to full packages with lunch. They have camp sites too!
- 38:30 AMActivity
Hike through farmland and cloud forest
Wander past vibrant green farm plots before plunging into a mystical, misty cloud forest. The full loop takes about three easygoing hours of hiking.
📍 Parque Aventura La Chorrera, Choachi
Tip · Leave your pretty sneakers behind; you will want proper hiking shoes to handle the muddy spots.
- 49:30 AMSight
Walk behind El Chiflon
This is your first stop and it is super fun: you get to walk right behind the roaring curtain of water. Get ready for some serious, refreshing spray!
📍 Cascada El Chiflon, Choachi
Tip · Bring a light rain jacket or a change of clothes unless you want to spend the day soaked.
- 510:30 AMSight
Stand under 590 m of La Chorrera
Here it is: Colombia's highest waterfall, plunging 590m down the cliff. Standing at the base in the swirling mist is the ultimate reward of the hike.
📍 Cascada La Chorrera, Choachi
Tip · For the most dramatic, roaring flow, aim for the rainy season between April and November.
- 612:00 PMActivity
Optional adrenaline round
Craving a thrill? Try guided rappelling, waterfall climbing, ziplining, or cross a high Tibetan bridge. For a quieter vibe, explore the Cueva de los Monos cave.
📍 Parque Aventura La Chorrera, Choachi
Tip · Sign up with the guides right when you arrive to lock in your spot; activities run on schedules.
- 71:30 PMFood
Late lunch at Choachi's Swiss restaurant
Head into Choachi to eat at a quirky local legend: a Swiss spot serving hearty classics for over 50 years. Visit the main location or the converted antique house nearby.
📍 Choachi, Cundinamarca
Tip · They shut their doors around 4:30 PM, so do not drag your feet after the hike.
- 83:00 PMActivity
Soak at the Termales Santa Monica
At 1,900m, Choachi is much warmer than Bogota. Soak away your hiking aches in these relaxing thermal pools before heading back to the big city.
📍 Termales Santa Monica, Choachi
Tip · Grab a quick cab from the town square to get here, and do not forget to pack your own towel.
- 95:00 PMDrive
Head back over the pass
Head back up the mountain road to Bogota. The drive takes about 90 minutes, and the sunset light casting shadows over the eastern hills is magical.
📍 Choachi, Cundinamarca
Tip · Not ready to leave? Check out one of the cool glamping spots scattered around the surrounding hills.
Where to eat
A beloved institution serving alpine comfort food like goulash and rabbit for over 50 years. Find them near the main church or at their cool historic house just north of town.
Grab a classic hiker's breakfast from the rustic roadside stands along the mountain pass, selling hot arepas, warm drinks, and fresh fruit.
On your way back to Bogota, stop at this hillside BBQ joint for slow-cooked clay-oven meats paired with sweeping valley views.
When to go
Expect a thunderous, roaring waterfall, though the trails will definitely be muddy and wrapped in thick mist.
You will get clearer skies and easier hiking trails, though the waterfall itself won't be quite as dramatic.
Good to know
- Try to go on a weekday if your schedule allows; you will escape the big Bogota weekend crowds.
- This hike is moderate and on rugged terrain, so wear supportive shoes and follow the park guides' lead.
- Bring plenty of cash; card readers are hit-or-miss for park entry, mototaxis, and the hot springs.
- Car-free? Catch a bus to Choachi from Calle 6 and Avenida Caracas in Bogota instead of the main terminal.
