Tourism in Cundinamarca

The department of Cundinamarca surrounds Bogotá and concentrates exceptional tourist density: within a 150 km radius of the capital are the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, Chingaza National Natural Park, the Choachí hot springs, the Melgar resort, the Tequendama colonial towns and the vineyards of Villa de Leyva (Boyacá, 3 h). Cundinamarca is the most accessible weekend getaway destination for Bogotanos, with a climatic range from the Sumapaz páramo (3,200 m) to the heat of Girardot (300 m).

MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF CUNDINAMARCA

The most visited and unmissable destinations and experiences in Cundinamarca:

Attraction	Type	Description
Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral	Unique attraction / Culture	Underground cathedral carved in a salt mine 180 m deep. Marvel of Colombian engineering.
Chingaza National Park	Ecotourism	Páramo that supplies 80% of Bogotá's water. Frailejones, condors, mountain tapirs, bears.
Melgar and Girardot	Sun and river	Pool and river destination for Bogotanos. The hot climate and resorts make Melgar Bogotá's 'beach'.
Villeta — Sugarcane and Panela	Rural tourism	Panela capital of Colombia. Panela festivals, warm climate and rivers to cool off.
Siecha Indian Chief's Lagoon	Nature / Muisca history	Sacred lagoon of the Muisca people in the páramo. Hiking route from Guasca or Sesquilé.
Suesca — Climbing School	Adventure sports	Suesca sandstone rocks: the best place for climbing in Colombia. Routes for all levels.

ECOTOURISM AND NATURE IN CUNDINAMARCA

The Sumapaz páramo (Cundinamarca-Bogotá-Meta) is the largest páramo in the world, with over 200,000 ha. The Muña reservoir and La Herrera lagoon are important wetlands for water birds. The cloud forest of La Calera and Sopó is habitat for the spectacled bear.

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL HERITAGE OF CUNDINAMARCA

The Tequendama municipalities (Anapoima, La Mesa, El Colegio) have 18th century colonial haciendas converted into boutique hotels. Choachí and Ubaque maintain patron saint festivals with Muisca tradition. The Tequendama Falls, although diminished by the Bogotá River pollution, remains one of the most spectacular landscapes of the savanna.

TYPICAL GASTRONOMY OF CUNDINAMARCA

Bogotano ajiaco (with chicken, three types of potato and guasca), changua, Bogotano tamales, boyacense cocido (in northern municipalities), Tolima lechona (in the south), Girardot cholado, peto and almojábanas.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Bogotá, by car or bus to any municipality in the department (max. 3 h). The Zipaquirá–Chía–Cajicá axis is accessible in 40–60 min. Girardot 2.5 h via the Llano highway. Car rental recommended.

Also check the climate of Cundinamarca and the list of municipalities of Cundinamarca to plan your visit.