Tequendama Falls

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Tequendama Falls – a waterfall with a dark past

Just over 30 kilometres from Bogota lies one of the region’s most famous natural landmarks. Tequendama Falls, also known as Salto del Tequendama. This 132‑meter waterfall plunges from a cliff straight into the Bogotá River. And you can hear its roar long before you see it.
At first glance, the scene is breathtaking: a white torrent of water disappearing into a misty canyon, surrounded by the lush greenery of the Andes. Yet behind its beauty lingers a story that adds an air of mystery to this dramatic place.

Unfortunately, we got stuck in a three‑hour traffic jam leaving the city, so by the time we arrived it was already too late to enjoy the views of the surrounding landscape. Yet the waterfall itself was lit so beautifully that we ended up grateful for the delay. We never imagined it would glow in such a spectrum of colors.

In the past, the waterfall was believed by the Muisca people to be a gateway into the “other world.” During the twentieth century, however, it gained a darker reputation as a place where many came to end their lives. Standing right at its edge is a building from 1928, once intended as a luxury hotel for the wealthy. After it closed, it was left to decay for decades, which only added to the site’s eerie atmosphere. Today the building has been transformed into a museum where visitors can learn more about the history of the falls and the surrounding region. From its terrace you also get the most spectacular view of Tequendama Falls.

How to get here from Bogota

The trip from Bogota is fairly straightforward and works well as a short half‑day or full‑day excursion. By car, you can reach the waterfall in about an hour, whether you drive your own vehicle or rent one, as long as you set out in the morning. In the afternoon, traffic leaving Bogota becomes crazy and the journey can stretch into several hours.

Taking the bus is a bit more complicated, and you should expect at least one transfer along the way. First, you ride the TransMilenio to the San Mateo station in the town of Soacha. From there, you continue on a local colectivo bus marked Charquito – Salto de Tequendama. Another option is to catch a minibus from the Salitre terminal heading toward Mesitas. Just let the driver know you want to get off at the waterfall. The whole trip usually takes between 1 and 1,5 hours, although traffic and transfers can make it longer.

Tequendama Falls sits right beside the road, which means you don’t need to take on any demanding hike to visit it. The view opens up almost immediately, making it one of the most accessible natural wonders near Bogota.

If you come here during the Christmas season, you’ll find lively holiday markets filled with delicious food and irresistible aromas. Even if you’re not hungry, it’s impossible to resist tasting something, especially with the waterfall creating such a magical backdrop.

What to see around Bogota?

If the bustle of Bogota wears you out, just an hour’s drive takes you into a completely different world of misty mountains, green valleys, and small towns where life moves at a slower pace. Day trips from the capital are varied and easy to manage, whether you go by car or bus. And they fit perfectly into a single day. You also don’t need to limit yourself to the city center alone. Since there are countless places worth exploring in the surrounding region.

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

• A little further on you’ll find Salto La Chorrera , the tallest waterfall in Colombia, dropping an impressive 590 meters. The hike to reach it follows a seven‑kilometer trail that winds through pastures and Andean forests. Along the way you pass the Trees of Wishes and the Spring of Beauty, both adding a touch of local magic to the journey. On the way back, the path takes you past the smaller El Chiflón waterfall, where a hidden cave waits to be explored.
• For a completely different kind of experience, we recommend visiting the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá. This remarkable cathedral is carved deep inside a salt mine, and as you walk through its illuminated tunnels you feel as if you’ve stepped into an underground sanctuary. It’s a unique blend of architecture, spirituality, and natural heritage that you won’t find anywhere else in Colombia.

Where to stay in the Bogota area?

Choosing where to stay in Bogota really depends on what you want from the city. If you’d like to be right in the heart of history, culture, and everyday bustle, the best choice is La Candelaria. Here you’ll find museums, colonial streets, colorful houses, and plenty of cafés and restaurants that give the neighborhood its unique charm. The atmosphere is unlike anywhere else, everything is within easy reach, and you can explore the city center comfortably on foot.

If you’re looking for budget‑friendly accommodation but still want comfort, Candelaria House Boutique might be just the place for you.

If you’re looking for something more upscale, check out Camelia by Masaya.

Near the airport:

When you are traveling by car, it makes sense to stay close to Bogotas airport. Parking is easy and leaving the city is much faster, which is a real advantage when you want to explore the towns and landscapes nearby. We stayed at Habitel Hotel , and it felt like a small hub for travelers, with pilots and flight attendants sharing the same space with us.

At the bus station:

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 .