Cundinamarca Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Cundinamarca, Colombia with this comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and safety and health tips.


Introduction to Cundinamarca

Cundinamarca is a department in the Andean region of Colombia, bordered by Boyacá, Meta, Tolima, and Huila. The department was named after the Muisca Confederation, a pre-Columbian civilization that inhabited the area. Cundinamarca is known for its stunning landscapes, historical sites, culture, and delicious food.

List of Places to Visit in Cundinamarca

If you’re planning a trip to Cundinamarca, here are some of the top destinations you should add to your itinerary.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Gold Museum of Bogotá: This museum features the largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts in the world. The exhibition showcases the development of metallurgy in ancient Colombia and the symbolic meaning of gold for the Muisca people.
  • Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá: Located in the town of Zipaquirá, this underground cathedral was built inside a salt mine. The cathedral features crosses, sculptures, and a light show, all made from salt.
  • La Quinta de Bolívar: This historical house museum was the residence of Simón Bolívar, a Venezuelan military and political leader who played a key role in the Independence wars of Latin America. The museum houses personal belongings, furniture, and paintings from Bolívar’s era.

Natural Attractions of Cundinamarca: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Laguna de Guatavita: This beautiful lagoon is located in the municipality of Guatavita and is known for the El Dorado legend. According to the legend, the Muisca people threw gold into the lagoon as an offering to their gods.
  • Chicaque Natural Park: This park is located in the town of San Antonio del Tequendama and features forests, hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife. Visitors can also enjoy birdwatching and camping.
  • Sumapaz Páramo: This is the largest páramo ecosystem in the world and is located in the municipalities of Pasca, Fusagasugá, and San Juan de Rioseco. The páramo offers a unique landscape with endemic flora and fauna and is perfect for hiking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Cundinamarca

Cundinamarca offers a variety of hiking and biking routes for adventure enthusiasts. Here are some of the top picks:

  • Los Nevados National Natural Park: This park is located in the Andean region and features glaciers, forests, paramos, and waterfalls. The park offers hiking trails that range from easy to difficult.
  • Cerro de San Francisco: Located in the municipality of Suesca, this mountain features trails for both hiking and mountain biking. The summit offers a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.
  • La Cuchilla de Peñas Blancas: This is a challenging hiking trail located in Choachí, east of Bogotá. The trail offers beautiful views of waterfalls, cliffs, and canyons.

Best Things to Do in Cundinamarca: Activities and Tours

Besides hiking and biking, there are plenty of other activities and tours to enjoy in Cundinamarca. Here are some suggestions:

  • Hot air balloon ride: Take a hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes of Cundinamarca. You can enjoy views of mountains, forests, rivers, and colonial towns.
  • Coffee tour: Cundinamarca is known for its delicious coffee. Take a coffee tour to learn about the coffee-making process and taste the local brew.
  • Zip-lining: If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, try zip-lining in the municipality of Tobia. You’ll soar over forests and rivers while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Week-Long Itinerary for Cundinamarca

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Cundinamarca:

Day Activities
1 Visit Gold Museum of Bogotá, explore La Candelaria
2 Visit Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, hike in Chicaque Natural Park
3 Visit Sumapaz Páramo, hike in Los Nevados National Natural Park
4 Visit La Quinta de Bolívar, take a coffee tour
5 Visit Laguna de Guatavita, go zip-lining in Tobia
6-7 Relax and explore Bogotá or nearby towns

Food and Drink Scene of Cundinamarca

Cundinamarca offers a variety of delicious food and drinks. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Ajiaco: This is a soup made with chicken, potatoes, corn, and herbs. It is typically served with avocado, capers, and cream.
  • Lechona: This is a traditional dish made with a whole roasted pig stuffed with rice, peas, and spices.
  • Bandeja Paisa: This is a hearty dish that includes beans, rice, ground beef, chicharrón, chorizo, avocado, plantain, and an arepa.

Local Beverages

  • Agua de panela: This is a sweet drink made from unrefined sugar cane and water. It is often served with lime and cinnamon.
  • Chicha: This is a fermented corn drink that is sweet and slightly alcoholic.
  • Coffee: Cundinamarca is known for its high-quality coffee. Make sure to try a cup of freshly brewed coffee while you’re there.

Where to Stay in Cundinamarca: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Cundinamarca offers a variety of accommodation options depending on your budget and preferences. Here are some recommendations:

  • Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá, Grand Hyatt Bogotá, and W Bogotá are some of the best luxury hotels in the region.
  • Mid-range: Hotel de la Opera, Hotel Augusta, and Hotel Excelsior are some great options for mid-range travelers.
  • Budget: Hostel Sue Candelaria, Selina La Candelaria, and Masaya Hostel Bogotá are some of the best budget options in Bogotá.

What to Buy in Cundinamarca: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs or local products to bring back home, here are some suggestions:

  • Emeralds: Colombia is known for its high-quality emeralds. You can find them in stores in Bogotá or other nearby towns.
  • Coffee: Cundinamarca produces some of the best coffee in the region. Make sure to bring back some coffee beans to enjoy at home.
  • Handcrafts: You can also find beautiful handcrafted products such as hats, bags, and textiles in local markets and shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Cundinamarca

Cundinamarca has a rich culture and traditions. Here are some customs and traditions that you might encounter:

  • Religion: Cundinamarca is a Catholic region, so you might see religious processions or ceremonies during your visit.
  • Languages: The official language is Spanish, but you might hear indigenous languages such as Muisca or Páez in some areas.
  • Festivals: There are plenty of festivals and celebrations throughout the year, such as the Carnival of Riosucio or the Flower Fair in Medellín. Make sure to check the local calendar for upcoming events.

Best Time to Visit Cundinamarca

Cundinamarca has a tropical climate with two main seasons: dry and rainy. The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from December to February and from June to August. During this time, you can enjoy sunny days and comfortable temperatures.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cundinamarca

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Cundinamarca:

Do:

  • Learn some Spanish: It will be easier to get around and communicate with locals if you learn a few basic phrases.
  • Try the local food: Cundinamarca has a delicious food scene. Make sure to try some traditional dishes and drinks.
  • Respect the culture: Cundinamarca has a rich culture and traditions. Be respectful of the culture and customs when interacting with locals.

Don’t:

  • Show off your valuables: Cundinamarca, like any other destination, has its share of petty crime. Avoid showing off your valuables and keep them secured.
  • Drink tap water: The tap water in Cundinamarca is not potable. Make sure to drink bottled water or use a water filter.
  • Be disrespectful: Don’t make disrespectful comments or behave inappropriately towards locals or their culture.

Safety and Health

Cundinamarca, like any other travel destination, has some safety and health concerns. Here’s what you need to know:

Safety in Cundinamarca

  • Crime: Cundinamarca has a high crime rate, especially in larger cities such as Bogotá. Keep your valuables secure and avoid walking alone at night.
  • Natural disasters: Cundinamarca is prone to natural disasters such as floods and landslides. Always stay aware of local weather conditions and follow the guidance of local authorities.

Health in Cundinamarca

  • Altitude sickness: Some areas of Cundinamarca are located at high altitudes, causing altitude sickness in some visitors. Make sure to stay hydrated and rest appropriately.
  • Water-borne diseases: The tap water in Cundinamarca is not potable and can cause water-borne illnesses. Make sure to drink bottled water or use a water filter.

Getting to Cundinamarca: Transportation Options and Logistics

Cundinamarca is easily accessible by both air and land transportation. Here are some options:

Airports Near Cundinamarca

The main airport that serves Cundinamarca is El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá. Other nearby airports include Olaya Herrera Airport in Medellín and Matecaña International Airport in Pereira.

Bus Stations Near Cundinamarca

Bogotá has several bus terminals that serve both national and international destinations, such as Terminal del Norte and Terminal de Transporte de Bogotá. You can also take a bus from neighboring departments, such as Tolima or Boyacá.

Other Options

If you’re coming from nearby destinations such as Medellín or Cali, you can take a domestic flight or rent a car to explore Cundinamarca. Some airlines that serve domestic flights include Avianca, Viva Air, and LATAM Airlines.

How to Get Around in Cundinamarca

Cundinamarca has a variety of transportation options for visitors. Here are some options:

  • Taxi: Taxis are a convenient way to get around, especially in larger cities. Make sure to use licensed taxis and negotiate the fare before getting in.
  • Bus: Local buses connect most destinations in Cundinamarca. You can either take a minibus or a larger bus, depending on your destination.
  • Car rental: If you’re planning to explore Cundinamarca at your own pace, renting a car is a good option. Make sure to get adequate insurance and have a valid driver’s license.

Where to Go Next from Cundinamarca: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have some extra time in Cundinamarca, there are plenty of nearby destinations and excursions to add to your itinerary. Here are some suggestions:

  • Villa de Leyva: This charming colonial town is located in the Boyacá department and features cobblestone streets, white-washed houses, and a plaza that is one of the largest in South America.
  • Salento: This picturesque town is located in the Quindío department and is known for its coffee plantations, wax palms, and colorful architecture.
  • San Agustín Archaeological Park: This park is located in the Huila department and features the largest group of pre-Columbian sculptures in Latin America.

Conclusion

Cundinamarca is a beautiful department in Colombia that offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors. From historical sites and museums to natural parks and outdoor adventures, Cundinamarca has something for everyone. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, Cundinamarca should definitely be on your bucket list.

Botero's museum at Banco de la República Botero's museum at Banco de la República


    La Calera
    Zipaquirá