Things to Do in Choachí in 2 or 3 Days
By María, your host at Cúspide and a Choachí resident since 2021
If you’re wondering what to do in Choachí in two or three days, I recommend combining a waterfall hike with time to explore the town, visit Ubaque´s Sacred Lagoon and unwind in the mountains. This guide suggests a two-night stay, with a shorter option if you only have two days.
I’ve lived in Choachí since 2021, and I think of myself as an ambassador for this remarkable corner of Colombia. I remember the first time I drove here from Bogotá: as the city faded behind me and a mystical, majestic Andean landscape unfolded before my eyes, I knew this place was special.
Today, as your host at Cúspide, I love sharing the places that made me fall in love with these mountains and helping our guests discover them at their own pace.
Planning Your Visit to Choachí
Length of stay | Suggested itinerary |
2 days and 1 night | Day 1: Stop at Matarredonda, arrive at Cúspide and unwind. Day 2: Explore the town, visit La Chorrera waterfall and return to Bogotá. |
3 days and 2 nights | Day 1: Stop at Matarredonda, arrive at Cúspide and unwind. Day 2: Enjoy a waterfall hike. Day 3: Visit Lake Ubaque and explore the town, depending on your departure time. |
One extra night | More time to enjoy Cúspide or explore Chingaza’s páramo landscapes, with the chance to spot spectacled bears in the wild. |
Day 1: From Bogotá to the Mountains of Choachí
Matarredonda and the Cloud Forest Landscape
The journey to Choachí is part of the experience. Along the road from Bogotá, you’ll find Matarredonda Ecological Park, where you can discover the páramo, a high-altitude Andean ecosystem known for its distinctive vegetation. If you stop here, I recommend ordering aguapanela con queso at the restaurant by the entrance: a warm drink made with unrefined cane sugar, served with cheese. It’s a much-loved snack in the Colombian countryside.
At the park entrance, you can choose between two trails: one leading to a lake and the other to a waterfall. Both are beautiful, moderately challenging and filled with frailejones, the striking, fuzzy-leaved plants that make the páramo landscape so distinctive.
Image from: misenal.tv
If your priority is to settle in and rest, enjoy the scenic drive on your first day and save the hiking for the following morning.
Arriving at Cúspide and Slowing Down
Once you arrive at Cúspide, the invitation is simple: settle in, take in the mountain views and enjoy good food. You can arrange a massage or reserve some time in the hot tub, depending on the room or experience you choose.
Keep the afternoon free to rest and enjoy the scenery, and remember to arrange your dinner at GRATA when booking your stay.
Day 2: A Hike Through Waterfalls and Andean Forest
The Seven Waterfalls Trail
Although La Chorrera is better known, the Seven Waterfalls Trail is one of my favourite places to explore from Cúspide. The hike takes you over tree roots and through Andean forest, with stops along the way to discover waterfalls, each with its own character.
What I love most is the feeling of venturing deeper into the forest, accompanied by the sound of flowing water. The route I recommend leads to a quiet lake, a place to pause and take it all in.
If you’d like to bring a picnic prepared by our kitchen, request it in advance and check with your guide where you can stop to eat. Arrange this outing with us, and ask about the hike’s duration, difficulty and trail conditions before booking. We’ll connect you with trusted local guides.
La Chorrera Waterfall as an Alternative
If this is your first visit and you’ve been dreaming of seeing La Chorrera, dedicate the day to this hike. With a total height of 590 metres, it is Colombia’s tallest tiered waterfall. The walk brings you into the landscape of water and forest that makes this region so special.
My recommendation is to choose either La Chorrera or the Seven Waterfalls Trail for this day. That way, you can enjoy the hike and still return with time to relax.
Back to the Hot Tub and Dinner at GRATA
After a day of walking, returning to Cúspide is part of the pleasure. A soak in the hot tub, dinner at GRATA and the sound of running water as night falls make a lovely way to end the day. If you’d like a hot tub all to yourself at your accommodation, I recommend choosing our suite with a private hot tub. It’s simply spectacular.
Day 3: Lake Ubaque and the Town of Choachí
A Morning by Lake Ubaque
Waking up without rushing, looking out at the mountains and listening to the birds are some of my favourite things about living here. After breakfast, head to Lake Ubaque in the neighbouring municipality and spend the morning discovering the lake and its stories.
I like to visit with respect for its ancestral significance. You can go with one of our local guide partners to learn about the area’s history and its connection to Muisca culture, or simply pause to take in the surroundings and set a heartfelt intention.
Murals and Traditional Sagú Baking in Choachí
On your way back, if time allows, explore the town of Choachí. Wander its streets and discover its colourful murals, browse the small shops and try amasijos de sagú: traditional baked goods made with sagú starch, a local speciality.
This stroll reveals another side of the journey: everyday life among the chiguanos, as Choachí’s residents are known, and the peaceful pace of the Colombian countryside. If you need to return to Bogotá early, choose between exploring the town and visiting Lake Ubaque. You can also visit the town on your first day, before arriving at Cúspide.
If You Can Stay One More Night
A third night gives you more time to enjoy this itinerary at a gentler pace. It’s an opportunity to try that GRATA dish you didn’t get around to ordering, light the fire pit and ask about our craft cocktails, made with organic spirits sourced from the region’s farming communities.
You could also dedicate an extra day to whichever hike you haven’t yet done: La Chorrera, the Seven Waterfalls Trail or Matarredonda. The following morning, arrange your return to Bogotá or your transfer to El Dorado International Airport.
Thanks for reading me, see you in Cúspide!
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Choachí
How Many Days Should I Spend in Choachí?
For this itinerary, I recommend three days and two nights. If you only have two days, combine an overnight stay with a hike and a short visit to the town. A third night gives you time to discover more places without rushing.
What Should I Bring for the Hikes?
Bring walking shoes or hiking boots with good grip, a waterproof jacket, layers, water and a change of clothes. Ask your guide whether you need anything else for your chosen trail and the conditions on the day.
Can I Visit Choachí Without a Car?
Yes, you can plan a visit without your own car. However, it’s best to arrange how you’ll reach your accommodation and travel to the hiking trails and Lake Ubaque in advance. Contact us before booking so we can help you explore transportation options for your itinerary.
How Long Does It Take to Reach El Dorado International Airport?
Approximately 90 minutes. Travel time varies depending on traffic, weather and road conditions. Avoid scheduling a hike before your flight if you’re working with a tight timetable.
Where Should I Stay to Explore Choachí?
Cúspide Boutique Mountain Retreat is our boutique mountain accommodation in Choachí. Here, you can combine exploring the region with relaxation, good food and experiences arranged when you book.
If you’d like to enjoy this escape, tell us how many nights you have and which places you’d love to visit. We’ll help you plan a stay that gives you time to discover the mountains and enjoy being here.
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