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Salto de la Chorrera – Colombia's highest waterfall
Colombia is a land of striking contrasts. From the bustling streets of Bogotá to the quiet villages tucked away in the mountains. One place that brings together nature, adventure, and those rare moments when you simply stop and let yourself be absorbed by your surroundings is Salto de la Chorrera. This waterfall rises to an impressive 590 meters, holding the title of the tallest in Colombia and the sixth highest in Latin America. The numbers alone promise a spectacular experience, yet the reality feels even more powerful.
It is not only about the waterfall itself. Along the way, the journey feels just as magical, filled with nature, sweeping views, the quiet of the mountains, and little surprises waiting at every step. What’s more, you are joined by the most endearing local guides. Which are friendly dogs who happily trot beside visitors as if they had always belonged to the trail.
Salto de la Chorrera
- How to get here from Bogota?
- Information Center
- First stage – a trip to the mountains with unexpected guides
- Second section – The Tree of Wishes and a touch of local tradition
- Part Three – The Spring of Beauty and the First Refreshment
- Hanging bridge and spring of love
- Second waterfall and the cave behind it
- Return – cows on the road and loyal dogs
- Practical information
- Where to stay in the Bogota area?
- What to see around Bogota?
How to get here from Bogota?
A trip to Salto de la Chorrera is especially popular because it can easily be done as a day trip from Bogota. Traveling by car is by far the most comfortable option. Since the drive takes about an 1,5 hour heading east through the mountains toward the town of Choachí. Even before you arrive, the journey itself feels like a small adventure. Leaving the chaotic traffic of central Bogota behind, you quickly find yourself on narrow winding roads that climb higher and higher into the mountains.
The views along the way are absolutely breathtaking. As you go higher, green hills covered in dense forest slowly unfold before your eyes. With mist often rising from their slopes. On clear days, the horizon opens up to reveal the endless panorama of the Andes.
If you are not traveling by car, nothing is lost. Buses operated by Transoriente run from Bogotá toward Choachí. And you can get off at the stop near the turnoff for Salto de la Chorrera. From there you either continue on foot or try to catch a local taxi. The catch is that buses are not very frequent. And from the stop you still have about five kilometers to walk if you do not manage to find a taxi. To be honest, we did not see any taxis in the area at all.
Information Center
No matter how you arrive or where you leave your car, your very first stop should be the information center. This is where you buy your tickets and get the essential details about the trail, the length of the hike, and the checkpoints you can use in case of an emergency. If you prefer, you can also hire a guide, although it is not required and not needed.
The entrance fee depends on which hike you choose. A standard ticket costs about 10 € per adult (48,000 COP) and already includes a small snack, a rain poncho, and a bottle of water. In our case, we went for the option with lunch and paid around 70,000 COP (about 15 €) per person. What made it unforgettable was that the meal was served right beneath a smaller waterfall. And we can wholeheartedly recommend choosing this option.
The third option is admission combined with other activities, such as zipline.
Once you have your ticket and watch the short educational video in Spanish, you can set off on the trail. Soon enough, you will notice a few four‑legged friends joining your walk. And even if they don’t appear right away, you can be sure they will find you a little later and happily keep you company on the path.
First stage – a trip to the mountains with unexpected guides
Our first steps beyond the information center led us through meadows and small farms. Where the presence of people still lingers in the air. After just a few minutes, though, it feels as if you have stepped into another world. The trail begins to climb gently uphill, yet the pace remains comfortable. And at every turn you are surrounded by a lush green landscape that pulls you deeper into the mountains.
The terrain keeps changing, so you will definitely appreciate having sturdy hiking shoes. Since Bogota doesn’t really have a dry season, mud on the trail is something you should expect. And it quickly becomes part of the adventure.
Stepping out of the forest, you reach an open meadow and begin to descend, only to climb uphill again a little later. Although the sweeping views around you are tempting, keep your eyes straight ahead. That is the moment when La Chorrera reveals itself in its full height. Which is a breathtaking sight you will not see again from so close. After crossing the meadow, pay attention to the trail markers, because the path splits here. One way leads straight uphill toward La Chorrera, while the other turns off toward El Chiflón.
After crossing the meadow, we faced another climb made up of steep steps that truly tested our endurance and fitness. In fact, it felt like the toughest stretch of the entire hike, apart from the final uphill push back to the information center.
At the top a wooden gate was already waiting for us. Our guide went through first, and we finally allowed ourselves a deep breath of relief. Because just ahead a short stretch of flat ground opened up before our eyes.
Second section – The Tree of Wishes and a touch of local tradition
After about half an hour from the start, we reached the empty checkpoint number two. Chiara immediately took advantage of the stop, sat down on the lone chair, and tried to catch her breath. She refused to move any further. And since there was only that one chair, the rest of us began looking around the area for a place to pause as well.
Right in front of us stood the so‑called Tree of Wishes, a massive giant with sprawling roots and a thick trunk that looked as if it had been guarding the forest for centuries. According to local tradition, anyone who touches its bark, whispers a wish, and closes their eyes for a brief moment may see that wish come true. The atmosphere around it feels almost sacred, as though the tree itself were quietly listening to every secret entrusted to it.
The path then led us deeper into a dense forest, where silence surrounded us and not a single other hiker crossed our way. We could hear parrots calling from somewhere high in the canopy, yet none showed themselves among the branches. After about 15 minutes, a wooden bridge appeared ahead. And at that moment we knew the destination was already within reach.
Part Three – The Spring of Beauty and the First Refreshment
Just beyond the ladder we caught up with the hikers ahead of us. They were refreshing themselves at a small spring flowing straight out of the rock. As soon as they moved on, we realized we had arrived at the Spring of Beauty, known locally as Agua de la Belleza. The water sparkled in the light, and the spot carried a quiet charm that made us pause for a moment. As if the spring itself were inviting us to rest and take in its magic.
It is said that this water carries rejuvenating powers and brings inner harmony. Which is something both girls naturally wanted to try for themselves. We never actually saw a spring in the traditional sense, yet a steady trickle flowed from the rock just beneath the sign. So we assumed this was indeed the legendary water.
We could not resist and refreshed ourselves thoroughly in the cool water, though only after our four‑legged companion had his turn first. Perhaps that is why he looked so radiant.
According to the map, the next point should have been a cave, yet we never saw one. And were certain we had not missed a turnoff. As we continued, the trail narrowed and the ground grew more difficult to manage. Fortunately, a small wooden fence lined the edge. Offering some security, since the mud under our feet was slick and a deep ravine opened just below us.
Finally, Salto de la Chorrera
And finally came the moment we had been waiting for, the first full view of Salto de la Chorrera. Even from a distance it looked unreal. A slender ribbon of water plunging from nearly six hundred meters high and dissolving into the mist that drifted across the valley. That fleeting blend of power and delicacy is exactly what makes this waterfall so captivating…
After about an hour we finally reached our destination, where a slender stream of water awaited us. It was just strong enough that we could more or less step beneath it.
We found a rock beneath the waterfall where we could finally sit down and rest. Since the cascade itself was rather modest at this point, we decided it was the perfect moment for a snack. From the small package we had received at the entrance, we pulled out a few apples. But our four‑legged guide had the same idea. With cheeky determination he snatched two for himself, at least leaving the rest for us to enjoy.😊
Although the waterfall left us feeling a little deceived with its modest stream, the hike itself had been breathtaking from start to finish. And just when we thought the adventure was over, another surprise appeared on the map. Waiting ahead was the smaller brother of La Chorrera, the waterfall known as El Chiflón, promising a different kind of beauty and a new reason to keep walking.
Hanging bridge and spring of love
After resting at the waterfall we set out on the way back, this time along a different path, which turned out to be a great choice. Just a few minutes later we discovered another spring, this one called the Spring of Love. Water trickled quietly down the rocks, and Martin and I took the chance to enjoy it.
This part of the trail was interesting mainly because of a suspension bridge swaying gently above the green valley. Crossing it felt a little adrenaline‑filled, with wooden planks shifting under our feet while a beautiful view opened ahead. The children, as always, started jumping on the bridge, enjoying it most when it swung strongly.
This part of the trail reminded us that a trip to Salto de la Chorrera is not about a single destination but about the entire route, which keeps offering one moment after another. From time to time the waterfall itself appeared before us in its full splendor, as if to remind us why we had come all this way.
Second waterfall and the cave behind it
On the way back we were greeted with one more gift, the waterfall El Chiflón. It is smaller in size, yet you can approach it much more closely than the main cascade. The highlight of this stop was the chance to step into a small cave hidden directly behind the falling water.
Seen up close, the waterfall revealed a force and presence that felt even more powerful than its taller brother. Ending the hike here could not have been more fitting.
The final stretch led us across a long bridge that carried us straight to the restaurant, where lunch was already waiting. The menu was simple but satisfying: roasted chicken leg, rice, arepa, and a glass of mango juice. Our faithful guides sat down beside us, patiently waiting for the bones. After we shared mostly the meat our kids could not finish. They left us content and on their own path, and in that moment we knew the hike had truly come to an end.
La Chorrera had one last surprise in store for us, a stunning bird known as Trogon collaris. Which seemed to glow among the treetops.
Return – cows on the road and loyal dogs
The walk back to the car or bus stop gave us one last small memory to carry from the day. A few cows wandered calmly along the path, completely indifferent to the fact that tourists were trying to pass. We had to step around them. Which looked rather comical and reminded us once more that here, nature and village life move together in perfect rhythm.
That final hill leading to the information center was extremely demanding. Even so, we pushed through the steep climb that drained the last of our strength. Fortunately, the parking lot where we had left the car was only about ten minutes on foot from the center. In the end, we could hardly imagine continuing another five kilometers to the bus stop after such a hike.
Practical information
Transport: From Bogotá it takes about an hour and a half by car to reach the waterfall. Another option is to take a bus from the terminal on Av. 6 and get off in the town of Choachí. From there it is roughly an hour on foot to the entrance, unless you manage to find a taxi. The simplest way, however, is to come by car. Driving in Colombia should not worry you. Although the roads are winding, they are well marked and the traffic is no worse than anywhere in Europe.
Admission: Tickets are purchased at the information center. Several options are available: a basic entrance ticket, an entrance combined with lunch, or a package that includes a guide. Prices vary depending on the program you choose, yet they remain within a reasonable range.
Trail: The entire loop measures about 7 kilometers there and back, taking between 3 and 5 hours depending on whether you arrive by car or by bus. Parts of the terrain are more demanding, so sturdy footwear and plenty of water are highly recommended. Our own hike, including lunch, photo stops, and short breaks, took exactly 3 hours.
Lunch: If you purchase a ticket that includes lunch, you can enjoy your meal right by the waterfall, which makes for a beautiful way to end the trip. Keep in mind that there are no opportunities to buy food or water along the trail. With your ticket, however, you receive a small snack pack consisting of a cookie, a piece of fruit, and a bottle of water.
Weather: Expect rapid changes, from rain and fog to sharp sunshine. It is best to carry a light waterproof jacket and sunscreen. With your ticket you receive a rain poncho and a small snack, but keep in mind that there are no opportunities to buy anything along the trail.
Guides: Along the way you may be surprised by four‑legged companions, the local dogs that often choose to accompany hikers from the very beginning of the trail all the way to the end. There is no need to be afraid of them.
Where to stay in the Bogota area?
🏨 Accommodation: If you are traveling by car, it is worth staying near Bogota airport. Parking is simple there and leaving the city is quick, which makes it easier to explore other places in the area. We stayed at Habitel Hotel, where alongside us were pilots and flight attendants preparing for their next journeys.
If you are traveling by bus, the best choice is to stay right in the center of Bogotá, where the connections to Choachí depart. It is even better if your hotel is just a short walk from the bus station, since that makes the trip much easier. From here you can pick the ideal hotel for your stay.
What to see around Bogota?
If the bustle of Bogota wears you out, just an hour’s drive will take you into a completely different world — misty mountains, green valleys, and small towns where time seems to move more slowly. Day trips from the capital are varied, easily accessible by car or bus, and perfectly manageable as single‑day excursions. And you don’t have to limit yourself to the city center alone, because the surroundings offer countless places worth discovering.
The best option after exploring Bogota is to rent a car for two days and use it for short trips around the region. Prices start at about 20€ per day, and driving in Colombia outside the capital felt very similar to what you’d expect in most European countries. You can easily book your car here: car rental
If dramatic scenery calls to you, head to Tequendama Falls. This 132‑meter waterfall plunges straight into a deep canyon, its roar audible long before you arrive. The site is wrapped in legends of the Indigenous people, but also carries a darker history from the 20th century. Today you can visit a museum housed in the old hotel and step out onto a terrace with sweeping views. In the evening the waterfall is illuminated with colorful lights, adding an unforgettable atmosphere to the entire scene.
For a completely different kind of experience, head to the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá. This unique cathedral is carved deep inside a salt mine, and as you walk through its illuminated tunnels you feel as though you have entered an underground temple. It is a remarkable fusion of architecture, spirituality, and natural heritage that has no parallel anywhere else in Colombia.
